Chapter 4:  What Can Happen If You Don’t Get Treatment

 

Although for most people bronchitis does not lead to anything more than a few days in bed and perhaps a bit of weight loss, for some it can lead to problems and complications that can span a lifetime.

 

Acute bronchitis is the least likely to do this.  This is the type of bronchitis that follows a cold or other respiratory condition and usually requires very little to not prescription medication or even a doctor’s visit.  Yet, this is not the only type that should be considered.

 

In some people who are more prone to difficulties from illnesses, one single case of bronchitis, even acute bronchitis can lead to complications.  For example, in some older people, this type of bronchitis can lead to pneumonia. 

 

Those that have additional health concerns such as those that are smokers can also get to this point.  In addition, infants and the elderly have naturally weaker immune systems and they too are more likely to experience problems with complications.

 

 

In these cases, individuals will need to seek medical attention so that the bronchitis can be monitored as well as treated with any type of medication that can be used.  In those that have severe cases, hospitalization may be required to help.

 

When It Happens Often

 

For some individuals, bronchitis happens often.  This is what is called chronic bronchitis.  In these individuals, the bronchitis may not go away, but may lessen in its severity.  When this happens, individuals need to be aware of it and seek the help that’s needed as soon as possible.

 

Chronic bronchitis is a serious health condition that can lead to or even tell you that there is something else wrong with the body. 

For example, chronic bronchitis can be an indication that you are suffering from asthma or lung disorders.  In fact, those that do suffer from chronic bronchitis are more likely to end up with lung cancer than those that do not.  Lung cancer is one of the leader’s in death among people that smoke for long periods of time.