Can you relapse with bronchitis?

Ah, bronchitis. That annoying illness that feels like you’re trying to cough up a hairball but instead it’s just a combination of phlegm and tears from the constant hacking. And just when you think you’ve made it through the worst of it, here comes the lingering question – can you relapse with bronchitis?

What is Bronchitis?

Before we dive in (or should I say, cough our way through) whether or not someone can relapse with bronchitis, let’s first understand what this disease entails.

Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of your bronchi (the tubes leading into your lungs), which make breathing difficult and trigger a nagging cough. While there are different types of bronchitis based on their symptoms and duration – acute vs chronic – both share these key traits:

  • Inflammation in the lining of air passages
  • Excessive production of mucus
  • Difficulty breathing

While acute cases typically last for only 1-2 weeks and are usually caused by colds or flu viruses… chronic cases linger on as long as three months.

As if having difficulty taking breaths wasn’t enough annoyance…

Can You Experience Repeat Episodes (Relapse)?

So yes, onto answering that haunting query: can one encounter yet another round of those pesky bronc-y-shites?

The disappointing answer – sorry folks – is YES!

But wait! Before you slam down that computer like “fine then why am I even reading this??”, hear me out.

There are plenty good reasons why one might experience a repeat episode such as:

Reinfection

You know how your mom would always be all wash your hands before dinner? Well turns out she had science backing her forceful demands!

Washing your hand eliminates germs leftover from previous activities – like touching contaminated surfaces all day or interacting with friends who are secretly harboring the flu virus.

If these germs make their way into your throat/ nose again, they could overpower your immune system’s protective measures and compromise it all over again.

Incomplete Healing

I know what you’re thinking – “what’s this? some new age herb therapy crap?” But hear me out…

As previously stated, acute cases should be cured by a week or two of restful days in bed (or binging Netflix if your boss has yet to catch onto remote work).

However, those suffering from chronic bronchitis may have trouble shaking symptoms that last longer than 3 months. This terrible misfortune can result in incomplete healing, meaning even after treatment it is possible for smoldering inflammation and reoccuring bouts.

Exposure to Irritants

Again we find ourselves looking towards the importance of hygiene – but not just hand washing!

One simple way to clear away pollutants would be through vacuums equipped with a HEPA filter that will draw dust mites, pollen grains and other irritants right-from underfoot! 😉

But enough shameless promotion: exposure to smoke inhalation, chemicals and fumes from industrial environments can along contribute toward aggressive irritated airways better known as…yep you guessed it – bronchitis!

Pinpointing A Relapse

So since we know there are various reasons why someone who went through Bronc before might still relapse AGAIN! Here are some few ways one could preempt this pesky affliction 😒:

Keep an Eye Out For Symptoms

Recognizing early signs (like coughs duh) can help get you get treated quickly so things don’t spiral out of control too soon ^_^ ”

You’ll find yourself relieved something like “phew thankfully COVID-19 isn’t related!!” Yayyyy!!!

That said though more critical signs to keep an eye on include:

  • Increased coughing starting (again)
  • The resurgence of mucus production
  • Feeling less energy after a few consistent good days.

See Your Doctor

It’s important to get seen by a professional doctor (not just some “know-it-all” neighbor who insists she has a cure) once you realize something is a bit amiss.

Doctors have in-depth knowledge and expertise when it comes to diagnosing and treating bronchitis, so make sure you follow through with the recommended treatment plans rather than just pretending this isn’t happening..

Pro-tip: Time your appointment between your STARBUCKS rendezvous for that caffeine infusion before taking any over-the-counter remedies as self-medication can lead toward resisting future antibiotics and healing therapies overtime .__. .

Get Proper Rest & Hydration

Rest like totally makes sense when trying not come down with Bronc again – it’s even considered preventive medication from those coughs hogging up daylight sleep schedule ☺.

With modest rest coupled alongside enough fresh water or hot tea containing honey [manuka if possible!], this regimen increases easing subsequent attacks that may occur later.

Final Thoughts

Albeit reoccurring matches can leave spirits downtrodden; recovering from bronchial inflammations takes patience and persistence 🥺 …

…But knowing which activities exacerbate their condition along with early detection could easily do wonders towards fighting off another batch of symptoms!

Nevertheless make sure we maximize our chances without perpetually living in masks fearing every new germ would trigger the sickness all over again 😇 but still maintain good hygiene levels 😜  …you never know…

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