Gear Up Against Bronchitis

For the past few days, after having an internet connection here at home, I have been spending a lot of time in the internet especially at night time. Aside from updating my blog and friendster account, I download lots of mp3s for my player and of course some movies that I have missed out in the theatres. Usually, 3 days after this, my throat starts to ache, an impending danger. I am also constantly exposed to air pollution every time I travel to and from the city. During periods of stress our bodies try to fight back possible infection that tries to invade our body cells and systems. Our body needs nutrition and enough hours of sleep to replenish what we wasted during the periods of work and stress. 8 years ago, I've been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and acute bronchitis has always been the complication. I usually experience nasal drip when I'm exposed to strong perfumes, spices and a dusty environment. A shifting weather can also cause nasal congestion then eventually, a nasal drip. In my case, nasal drip is not a problem but rather the post nasal drip. What happens with post nasal drip is that mucous from the nasal cavity, with the aid of gravity, drips to the airway down to the lower respiratory system thus blocking the medium-sized air passages with copious mucous. When blockage happens we cough until we hurt our very own pharynx which then leads to another problem other than ineffective airway.

Infection is always possible in bronchitis. I have a simple analogy on how you get the bug in bronchitis. Lets try to look at a fly paper. The sticky portion shall be the copious mucous and the flies, the air-borne microbes in the environment swarming a few centimeters over it. As the gentle breeze blow these flies are trap on the sticky fly paper just like we breathe in airborne microbes from the environment. We constantly breathe in these potential killers and its ready to attack when the defense is ineffective.
A yellowish phlegm or sputum is an indication of an infection. Normally, the body fights the initial battle of infection with typical signs of fever or an increase of body temperature. If proven bacterial by a licensed physician or a specialist, antibiotics are given. I have taken azythromycin, clarythromycin and co-amoxiclav. These drugs are indicated for bronchitis but I would like to tell you that some of these antibiotics may be an allergen for your system so I will recommend you guys to give yourselves a check up with a lung physician before you even think about taking those. Also, these drugs may damage your kidneys and liver from toxic dosages and a potential cause of sterility in both sexes. You won't like that don't you? Get yourselves a check!
Prevention has always been better EVER than cure. These are some tips on how to prevent the sticky and disturbing episodes of bronchitis:

1. Avoid 2nd hand smoke from smokers
2. Take at least 8 hours of quality sleep
3. Drink lots of water and fruit juices
   
4. Eat ample amounts of fruits rich in Vit. C or otherwise have at least a daily recommended dose of it (Just read the labels).
5. Avoid staying in a crowdy place
6. Avoid allergens that may cause increased production of mucous (e.g. spices, fumes, dust et.)
7. Wear appropriate gear when dealing with potential exposure (e.g. face mask)
8. Have a balanced diet
9. Regularly breathe in fresh air from a clean environment or do some deep breathing exercises to avoid pooling (sorry for the word) or stasis (much appropriate term) of mucous
   
10. A check up is necessary to prevent complications

Contradictory practices are common among health professionals but I don't want to disturb people during a class or the climax of a theatre musical production. I reckon that would be embarrassing and you don't want to be on the spot like I've experienced a couple of times. I'm trying to save you from their stares you know and it's about time to stay healthy.