Full Answer Section

Drug Therapy:

There’s no cure for URIs caused by viruses, but medications can help manage symptoms:

• Antibiotics: Ineffective against viruses and should only be used for bacterial infections as prescribed by a doctor.
• Antivirals: Limited use for specific viruses, such as influenza. They can help shorten the duration of symptoms.
• Over-the-counter medications: Can provide symptomatic relief:
  • Pain relievers/fever reducers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to manage fever and aches.
  • Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) to relieve congestion. Use with caution, especially for people with high blood pressure.
  • Cough suppressants: Dextromethorphan (Delsym) to suppress cough (not recommended for productive cough with mucus).

2. Asthma Triggers and Treatments:

Triggers:

• Allergens: Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold can trigger an asthma attack by causing inflammation in the airways.
• Irritants: Smoke, air pollution, strong cleaning chemicals can irritate airways and worsen asthma symptoms.
• Respiratory infections: The common cold, flu, or other respiratory infections can exacerbate asthma.
• Exercise-induced asthma: Physical activity can trigger bronchoconstriction (airway tightening) in some people.
• Emotional stress: Stress can worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals.

Treatment Options:

A combination of medications is typically used to manage asthma:

• Long-term control medications: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) like fluticasone (Flovent) or budesonide (Pulmicort) are the mainstay of asthma treatment. They reduce airway inflammation, preventing asthma attacks.
• Quick-relief medications: Short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol (ProAir) relax airway muscles and ease breathing during an asthma attack. These are not meant for long-term control.
• Other options: For severe asthma, bronchial thermoplasty (a procedure to reduce airway muscle mass) or allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) might be considered.

3. Corticosteroids:

Corticosteroids are medications that mimic the effects of the hormone cortisol produced by the adrenal glands. They have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

Types relevant to respiratory issues:

• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): The preferred first-line treatment for asthma to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.
• Oral corticosteroids: Prescribed for short-term treatment of severe asthma attacks or other inflammatory conditions like pneumonia.

Side Effects:

Corticosteroids can have side effects, especially with long-term use. It’s important to use the lowest effective dose and be monitored by a doctor. Potential side effects include:

• Thrush (fungal infection in the mouth or throat): Common with inhaled corticosteroids, using a spacer device and rinsing after use can help reduce risk.
• Hoarseness: Less common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.
• Increased risk of infections: With high doses of oral corticosteroids.

4. Chronic Bronchitis:

Definition:

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. The lining of the airways becomes irritated and inflamed, producing excess mucus that clogs the airways and makes breathing difficult.

Causes:

• Smoking: The leading cause of chronic bronchitis. Smoking damages the airways and triggers inflammation.
• Air pollution: Exposure to dust, fumes, and other irritants can irritate and inflame the airways.
• Repeated respiratory infections: Can contribute to chronic inflammation in the airways.

Symptoms:

• Persistent cough that produces mucus (productive cough)
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

Treatment Options:

There’s no cure for chronic bronchitis, but treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:

• Bronchodilators: Inhaled medications to relax airway muscles and improve breathing.
• Expectorants: Medications to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
• Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections that worsen bronchitis symptoms.
• **Pul