What is the Incubation Periof for Bronchitis
Bronchitis Defined with the Two Common Types of Bronchitis
Bronchitis causes the bronchial tubes to become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis. The first type of bronchitis is acute and it may last approximately two weeks, since the signs and symptoms occur suddenly. Some signs and symptoms include a dry cough with chest pain, throat pain and a runny nose. Most patients with acute bronchitis respond well to medical treatment and recover without complications such as chronic bronchitis.
The second type of bronchitis is considered chronic when the signs and symptoms (breathlessness and mild chest pain) occurs constantly over a three-month period monitored during two consecutive years. Upon physical assessment, a physician may confirm diagnosis with a combination of laboratory work, chest x-rays and lung function tests (can test breathing muscle strength or the rate of oxygen lung delivery).
The Incubation Period for Bronchitis
Bronchitis has an incubation period that may range from several days to several weeks. The incubation period for bronchitis may be seen among certain groups of people. For instance, mycoplasma pneumoniae tends to occur in young adults and older school-age children. The incubation period for this bronchial infection may last from 16 to 30 days. However, these bronchitis patients normally have healthy immune systems, which may help with a faster recovery.
Another type is chlamydophila, which is generally diagnosed in elderly patients who are experiencing chronic wheezing and coughing. This incubation period has 30 days with lower patient response to medical treatment. For example, the wheezing may be deeper or the chest pain intensity may feel stronger.
Also, elderly chlamydophila patients are more likely to have co-existing medical conditions such as a heart problem, which may be harder to treat. Physicians may monitor these patients more closely.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Bronchitis
Once bronchitis has been diagnosed, a physician may consult with the patient to suggest lifestyle changes to manage bronchitis. Some lifestyle tips may include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids such as water to help cleanse the body.
- Inhaling steam from a bowl throughout the day to help keep the lungs clearer.
- Resting during the day to help keep the immune system functioning properly.
Each of these bronchitis tips may be used separately or combined with standard medical treatment.
Sources: Current Management of Bronchitis
