We
are spending our 2nd weekend at the hospital coming from the recent
discharge of Enzo and now we are back this time at the Medical Center
Muntinlupa (MCM) with Kenn fighting off Bronchitis.
What is Bronchitis?
As
defined by Mayo Clinic - Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your
bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis may be
either acute or chronic.
Often
developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very
common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation
or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.
This illustration makes it more easier for us to define what happens when someone has Bronchitis
Acute
bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although
you may continue to cough for weeks. However, if you have repeated bouts of
bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention.
Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).
Treatment
for bronchitis focuses on relieving your symptoms and easing your breathing.
What are the Symptoms?
(For
both Acute and Chronic)
Cough
Production
of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color
Fatigue
Slight
fever and chills
Chest
discomfort
What are the causes?
Acute
bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause
colds and influenza. Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so this type of medication
isn't useful in most cases of bronchitis.
The
most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking cigarettes and since Kenn
does not smoke, this might be caused by air pollution and dust or toxic gases
in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.
How is the Disease Treated?
Among
those that were given to Kenn at the emergency room includes Steroids.
According to our doctor, simple antibiotics will not work for cases such as
Bronchitis which was why a more aggressive treatment regimen was provided. We
were advised that Kenn will be confined at the hospital for several days which
may take atleast 6-7 days, probably the longest that we have spent among all
the days that we have spent at the hospital. Kenn was also given several
sessions of nebulization and several medications.
We
are hoping to be discharged by next week and we are planning to get Kenn to be
more interested with sports hoping to give his lungs a boost of energy. This
was also the reason why we have decided to restrict him when using his gadgets.
Maybe it’s time for him to be more involved with physical activities such as
biking, basketball and such.
Get
well soon Kenn and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the
nurses currently taking care of him… To Henry Sotto, Janeth Yrad and Angel Alindogan, Miggy Del Rosario, Jian and Kristine nurses at the
Medical Center Muntinlupa, Thank you for taking care of my big boy… really nice
people in this institution who makes our lives less complicated at this place
and this time… Thank you everyone! =)
