Q: I caught a cold about a month ago. I’ve had this nagging cough for a month now. Is it possible to have a cold for this long? Should I take antibiotics?
A: This is a very common problem, especially during this time
of year. What you describe
is called bronchitis.
Bronchitis
is caused by inflammation of [any word with the suffix –itis means inflammation
of] the bronchial tree (i.e., the trachea and branches of the breathing
passages). There are two major categories of bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis is characterized by
coughing with mucus production, and, in some cases, wheezing and breathing
difficulty, caused by a virus or exposure to allergens or other toxic
exposures. Acute bronchitis can be
diagnosed after about 5 days of these symptoms, since it is difficult to
distinguish from a typical, self-limiting cold before this time. On average, the cough lasts 2-3 weeks,
but can last for longer.
Chronic bronchitis is constant irritation of the airways and breathing passages that eventually causes the airways to thicken and produce lots of mucus. Chronic bronchitis, however, is lumped into a category with asthma and emphysema, called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. In chronic bronchitis, the productive cough is present most days of the week for three months or more.
The most common cause of acute bronchitis is a viral infection, like the common cold virus. The virus and other irritants, like allergens, tobacco smoke or dust, cause airway inflammation, which then lead to mucus build up, a productive cough and sometimes breathing trouble and chest discomfort.
It sounds
like you have acute bronchitis, caused by a cold virus. If this is the case, antibiotics, which
should only be used to kill bacteria, may not be the solution. As always, there
are exceptions to the rule. It is
sometimes reasonable to treat certain groups with antibiotics, including
people:
* 65 years of age or older
* diagnosed with diabetes
* diagnosed with lung, heart, liver or kidney disease
* currently on immunosuppressive drugs or steroids
Moreover, a small percentage of acute bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection. However, in the absence of a fever, it is unlikely that you have pneumonia. Only your doctor can tell if you have pneumonia.
The treatment for acute bronchitis is mainly symptomatic treatment and avoidance of strong chemicals, allergens or smoke of any kind. The main way to help prevent acute bronchitis is to pinpoint the trigger and try to stay away from it.
1. Hand washing with soap is the best way to avoid infection with the common cold virus and therefore the best way to prevent virus induced bronchitis.
2. If you smoke, STOP NOW. Look at every smoking cessation tool until you find the one that works.
3. Make an appointment to see your doctor or physician extender to discuss these issues and to see what treatment strategy you should take.
Remember: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.
Here’s to
Mastering Your Health.
Copyright
2011 Chicago Defender
Dave
Montgomery, MD, PhD is a Cardiologist at Northwestern University and a sought
after Speaker and Health Coach. http://davemontgomerymd.com
