BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi), the air passages that extend from the trachea into the small airways and alveoli. It is one of the top conditions for which patients seek medical care.
Triggers of bronchitis may be infectious agents, such as viruses or bacteria, or noninfectious agents, such as smoking or inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust. Bronchitis typically occurs in the setting of an upper respiratory illness; thus, it is observed more frequently in the winter months.
Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. Chronic bronchitis is seen in smokers and persons exposed to air pollution.
The symptoms are cough with sputum production, fever, weakness, breathing difficulty, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, etc.
It may be accompanied by allergic rhinitis which is itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, ear ache, headache etc

Treatment
Therapy is generally focused on alleviation of symptoms.Toward this goal, a doctor may prescribe a combination of medications that open obstructed bronchial airways and thin obstructive mucus so that it can be coughed up more easily. Antiallergic medications may also be given.
Care for acute bronchitis is primarily supportive and should ensure that the patient is oxygenating adequately. Bed rest is recommended.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Receive the influenza vaccine yearly between October and December.
Receive the pneumonia vaccine every 5-10 years if aged 65 years or older or with chronic disease.