You Can Even Get Bronchitis In Warm Months! 5 Helpful Tips To Keep Yourself Healthy

Bronchitis is an upper respiratory condition that occurs when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs, become swollen and inflamed by viruses, bacteria, or other irritants.

The constant coughing associated with this condition occurs because your body is struggling to bring air in and out of your partially blocked airways.

Don’t be fooled by good weather — you can even get bronchitis in warm months! And with acute bronchitis lasting for about three weeks and chronic bronchitis lasting for several months at a time, you’ll make the most of your spring and summer by avoiding this illness.

With over three decades of internal medicine experience, Dr. Cyrus Lavian of Valley Medical Urgent Care has the expertise to treat your bronchitis and other medical conditions. For patients in Panorama City, California, we’re here to help you feel better and enjoy the warm months ahead.

The staff at Valley Medical Urgent Care recommends these five preventive steps to keep yourself healthy and free from bronchitis.

Wash your hands frequently

Like the common cold and the flu, most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses. In some cases, bacteria can also cause bronchitis.

You’re at an increased risk for bronchitis when you come in close contact with sick people, shake their hand, or touch surfaces they’ve infected. You then become infected when you transfer the germs from your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Frequent and thorough hand washing is your best defense against bronchitis because it removes germs from your hands and prevents infection. When hand washing isn’t practical, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are effective in killing most bacteria.

Avoid cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke damages the lining of your bronchial tubes. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, smoking is the primary cause of chronic bronchitis and also increases your chance of getting acute bronchitis.

You can protect your lungs from smoke damage with the following precautions:

• If you smoke, quit now.
• Avoid environments where you’ll be exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Don’t vape or use e-cigarettes because the vapor can damage your lungs.

Stay up-to-date with vaccines

While there’s no vaccine for bronchitis, staying current with all recommended immunizations can help you avoid viral infections. To prevent bronchitis, the American Lung Association recommends getting an annual flu shot. For some individuals, especially those who are over age 60 or have chronic medical conditions, a pneumonia vaccine is also advised.

You can ensure that you’re current with the right vaccines by scheduling a physical exam with Dr. Lavian. Based on your medical history, current health, and lifestyle, Dr. Lavian creates a personalized vaccine schedule that gives you the best protection against bronchitis and other contagious diseases.

Wear a protective face mask

A disposable face mask that protects against airborne particles can limit your exposure to contagious viruses and bacteria. It can also help reduce the effects of irritants such as dust, pollution, secondhand smoke, and other chemicals.

You might benefit from using a face mask if your warm weather plans include:

• Traveling in an airplane, train, or bus for long periods of time
• Visiting areas where smog and pollution commonly cause poor air quality
• Using paint, oil, or other chemicals in home improvement projects
• Being around smoke, fire, or dust in the workplace or at home

Seek medical advice when symptoms occur

If you develop signs of bronchitis, it’s important to get your symptoms checked. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you seek medical care for any of the following symptoms:

• A persistent cough that lasts longer than three weeks
• A cough with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Discolored mucus or blood with your cough
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Recurring periods of bronchitis

By scheduling an office exam with Dr. Lavian, you’ll receive an accurate diagnosis and solutions to help you return to your normal activities. Depending on your condition, you might benefit from proven at-home treatments to reduce your symptoms, antibiotics for bronchitis caused by bacteria, or lifestyle changes for long-term relief from chronic bronchitis.

Whether you’re experiencing signs of bronchitis or want to be sure that you’re doing all you can to avoid it, calling to make an appointment with us is the first step to staying healthy this spring and summer.