Bronchitis – acute or chronic

Bronchitis is the name of the disease that occurs when there is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the trachea and/or bronchi. It often develops as a result of a cold. The cause is usually viruses or bacteria, but cases of acute bronchitis typically resolve on their own after 2-4 weeks and do not require antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of bronchitis include wheezing, dry or mucous cough, and may also involve chest pain and fever. The cough in acute bronchitis may last longer than a month in about one in four cases. Studies have even shown that antibiotics have no effect on prolonged coughing.

You may experience a sore throat, a runny nose, and hoarseness. If the illness lasts longer than four weeks or recurs regularly, it may be a sign of another underlying condition, such as asthma or COPD. Most cases of acute bronchitis are registered in the fall and winter. Most people are able to go to school or work since bronchitis itself is not contagious unless it follows a common cold.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by wheezing, persistent coughing, and irritation of the airways with accompanying mucus production. It is often perceived by smokers as “smoker’s cough” or “smoker’s lung” and may either disappear or significantly decrease with smoking cessation. The mucous membranes in your bronchi are equipped with small cilia, which are damaged in chronic bronchitis. They function as a cleaning system that transports mucus and dust particles to the throat. In chronic bronchitis, the lungs produce too much mucus, and the mucous membranes thicken, leaving less room for air intake. As a result, breathing becomes more difficult, and chronic bronchitis can be particularly noticeable in the morning.

Type 2 or Non-Type 2

There are two types of asthma, both of which – perhaps confusingly – are referred to as Type 2 asthma. In the past, this was referred to as allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma. Today, asthma is categorized into two types: Type 2 or Non-Type 2. Type 2 asthma is associated with a specific type of airway inflammation, known as Type 2 inflammation. The same inflammation is also present in allergies, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, and nasal polyps (chronic nasal congestion), and all of these are also referred to as Type 2 diseases. With Type 2 asthma, you often also have one or more of the other conditions.

Non-Type 2 asthma is NOT accompanied by inflammation, so people with Non-Type 2 asthma are generally less affected by their asthma. The downside is unfortunately that they do not experience as good results from preventive treatments. Not everyone is affected to the extent that they need to see a pulmonologist for a diagnosis, so often only the most severe cases of Type 2 are registered. It is estimated that 50-70% of all asthmatics have Type 2 asthma, which is often – but not always – accompanied by other diseases.

Use of Infrared Heat Therapy

The benefits of traditional steam baths for relieving bronchitis or asthma have long been known. The hot steam helps loosen the mucous membranes and relieve aching chest muscles. Steam baths often feel better than the dry heat of a sauna, which can be unpleasant for the nose and lungs. The modern infrared sauna has the same effect, but it warms the body from the inside rather than affecting it through heated air and moisture.

Therefore, this treatment is gentler and can be tailored to your individual needs. Infrared saunas can be adjusted so that the heat is not perceived as uncomfortable. The heat is often described as similar to sitting on a warm car seat on a cold winter day. Infrared saunas are also effective at low temperatures and help relieve sore muscles in the neck and chest.

The heat helps increase your blood circulation, which naturally also affects your breathing. When blood circulation is improved, the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body also improves. This type of heat also contributes to the elimination of waste products through sweat. The tiny air sacs that branch off from the lungs, called alveoli, can sometimes become stiff and inflexible when their cells are exposed to certain harmful substances. When these substances are dissolved and eliminated, it helps your lungs and allows for improved breathing. These are just a few of the benefits of infrared sauna treatment.

Disclaimer

All content and information on nordic-therm.com is for informational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice or other forms of professional medical counseling and/or treatment.