Treatments for Asthma, Bronchitis and Pneumonia

At Bowen Medical, we diagnose and treat a wide range of respiratory issues. Three of the most commonly seen respiratory issues are Asthma, Bronchitis and Pneumonia.

Asthma

Asthma is characterised as a chronic respiratory condition whereby inflammation of the airways causes difficulty when breathing. Symptoms of asthma include dry cough, wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.

People with chronic asthma often experience an improved quality of life using anti-inflammatory medications. Anyone diagnosed with asthma should have, on hand, a rescue inhaler to rapidly clear their airways in case of an episode.

Asthma typically begins in the early infancy years and continues into adulthood. However, a person can develop adult onset asthma in their 60s , 70s and 80s. Bowen Medical has a nebulizer in office for extra convenience and emergency treatment of serious asthma episodes.

Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia

When it comes to bronchitis and pneumonia, it might be a bit difficult to know what’s going on and how to tell them apart.

Bronchitis is when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, get infected and swollen. There are two kinds:

• Acute bronchitis. This lasts a few weeks and usually goes away on its own.
• Chronic bronchitis. It’s more serious, and you’re more likely to get it if you smoke.

Pneumonia is another infection in your lungs, but instead of the bronchial tubes, the infection invades tiny air sacs in your lungs called alveoli. Pneumonia can be relatively mild, but sometimes causes very serious complications. More severe cases are usually seen in very young children, adults 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you are experiencing severe respiratory distress your first visit should be the emergency care at a hospital.

Call Bowen Medical today if you are experiencing early signs of a respiratory condition or if you would like to better manage a known chronic issue.