ORLANDO, Fla. – A trend in bronchitis cases indicates those living in Central Florida might want to break out the hand sanitizer.
Health professionals in the area say they've seen a recent increase in the number of bronchitis cases -- Centra Care reported an increase of 500 percent at its Winter Garden Village and Lee Road locations and 350 percent in Conway.
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Bronchitis is inflammation of the large air passages in one's lungs, symptoms of which include: a dry cough that develops into a cough with mucus, wheezing, fatigue, chest tightness and mild fever, according to a Centra Care release. Acute bronchitis, which is contagious, typically develops from colds or other upper-respiratory infections.
Health professionals caution people to wash their hands frequently to avoid spreading and contracting bronchitis.
Bronchitis usually goes away in about a week. Those whose symptoms worsen, experience shortness of breath or a fever that lasts more than four or five days should contact a physician.
There are several things those who have bronchitis can do to lessen the severity of symptoms:
- Use over-the-counter medications to relieve pain fever and cough
- Use a humidifier to help break up mucus
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get plenty of rest
- Keep away from tobacco smoke