We know about that! We hear it almost on a daily basis - at work - while shopping - maybe even at home.
But what is it, really? BRONCHITIS is usually caused by flu and goes within weeks, however if symptoms linger it could be Chronic Bronchitis - a key cause of deadly lung condition, COPD, among smokers.
It could be Chronic Bronchitis.
If you just quit smoking you may have a cough that is caused by the lungs and bronchials cleaning out the tars that collected there over the years. That may be normal - but it may be a sign of Chronic Bronchitis. Chronic Bronchitis gives a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses to live in your upper respiratory system. Normally these germs are swept away from your lungs with hair-like cilia but smoking may have paralyzed those cilia and the germs pass right along to your lungs where you can get pneumonia, along with other respiratory infections which damage your lung tissue and cause Emphysema.
That's what happened to me. I was diagnosed with Chronic Bronchitis way back in the early 1990s. Nobody educated me about my condition, told me that it is incurable nor did they warn me to Quit Smoking! So I didn't! I took my medicine and didn't even bother my busy Physician until I got pneumonia twice in one year. That's when I quit smoking - for a Year! I thought I could cure myself of Chronic Bronchitis and go right back to my drug of choice - Nicotine!
Along comes March 14, 2010 - Yes, it took that long! I woke up with a fever of 102! As the day progressed I learned that I had Emphysema! When you have Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema you have COPD! I quit smoking 6 days later for good!
When you quit smoking, even if you don't have a cough, but especially if you do, please quit with a Doctor's supervision. Tell them that you want a Spirometry Test to test your Lung Health! Tell them about your cough!
Bronchitis symptoms: Cough could be lung infection that leads to COPD | Health | Life & Style | Expr...
What is bronchitis? Symptoms of lung disease include persistent cough | Health | Life & Style | Expr...
If you know that you have good Lung Health - Thank your lucky stars!
If you have a smokers' cough - get tested! Bug your Doctor!
If you find out you have Chronic Bronchitis and/or Emphysema come visit us at @COPD - you are not alone!
Breathe Easy!
LLAP!
