Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are branches of the trachea that take air from the exterior to the pulmonary alveoli.
They become inflamed due to infection (usually a virus) or due to inhalation of irritant substances.
Its most common manifestations are cough, mucus, wheezing when breathing, discomfort and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis is made clinically by questioning the patient and doing a physical examination. In severe cases, complementary tests will be performed to study its cause.
Treatment is aimed at calming the symptoms, ensuring adequate hydration to thin out the mucus and rest. If there is wheezing, inhaled bronchodilators and humidifiers should be added. When the triggering infection is viral, antibiotics should not be used.
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