There are so many illnesses that affect people worldwide each year. Most of the common sicknesses, such as cold and the flu are treatable. Bronchitis, which is also a common illness that affects millions of people each year, is also treatable. However, having to deal with this illness and going through the treatment is not pleasant. Having to take an assortment of pills and missing school and work can be draining on anyone. If at all possible, a person will want to prevent themselves from ever having bronchitis. There are many ways a person can prevent themselves from developing bronchitis, and these methods many help you from being afflicted with other sicknesses as well.
The first thing you want to do is get vaccinated. Getting shots is not fun, and many people believe that the vaccination will not help. However, many cases of bronchitis result from a viral infection, or influenza, which is what the flu is. Getting your yearly flu shot will help protect you from getting the flu, which in turn will help prevent the possibility of developing bronchitis. Often times your insurance will cover the cost of the vaccination, and all you have to do is go to your doctor or local pharmacy to get the shot.
The easiest way to prevent bronchitis is to wash your hands. Since most cases of bronchitis are viral, they can be spread from touching dirty, germ infested surfaces. Also avoid sharing drinks and utensils with other people who have any symptoms of bronchitis. This is the easiest way to spread germs, and it is important to use your own glass or fork when around people who may be experiencing bronchitis symptoms. If you are in an environment where you are in constant contact with people, or are around many people each day, try and get into the habit of using hand sanitizer so you do not have to keep going back and forth to the bathroom to wash your hands all day long. However, when you are able, soap and water is your safest bet.
The most important way to prevent bronchitis is to stop smoking. Many experts say that if people did not smoke, most cases of chronic bronchitis would never even develop. Cigarette smoke increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis. The smoke is hard on your lungs and your whole body. Smoking will irritate your lungs even further than they already are with bronchitis, and it will take you longer to heal. It is proven that one to nine months after a person stops smoking, coughing, congestion, tiredness and shortness of breath diminish. All of these are symptoms of bronchitis as well, so by stopping smoking, you won't have the risk of making these symptoms worse. If you do not smoke, try and avoid people and places that always have cigarette smoke. If you absolutely have to be in an area or around people where there is cigarette smoke, wear a mask so you do not inhale the harmful irritant.