'The inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial
tubes is called bronchitis. It occurs in both acute and chronic
forms. If occurring in an athlete, bronchitis is more likely
to be in acute form. Acute bronchitis usually occurs as an
infectious winter disease that follows a common cold or other
viral infection of the nasopharynx, throat, or tracheobronchial
tree.
Secondary to this inflammation is a bacterial infection
that may result from the overexposure to air pollution. Fatigue,
malnutrition, or the body temperature lowering to a chill
could be predisposing factors.
Symptoms and signs:
The symptoms displayed by an athlete with acute bronchitis
would be an upper respiratory infection, nasal inflammation
and continual discharge, slight fever, sore throat, and back
and muscle pain. A cough may signal the start of bronchitis.
At first, the cough is dry, but within a few hours or days,
a clear mucous secretion begins, becoming yellowish, indicating
infection. In most occasions , the fever lasts 3 to 5 days,
and the cough from 2 to 3 weeks. The athlete may wheeze and
rale when exhaling. It is possible for pneumonia to complicate
matters.
To avoid bronchitis, an athlete should avoid sleeping in
areas which are cold or exercise in extreme cold weather,
without wearing the appropriate face mask to warm the air
inhaled.
Control and treatment:
Involves resting until the fever breaks
(subsides), the daily fluid intake of 3 to 4 L of water, and
taking an antipyretic analgesic, a cough suppressant, and
in the case of severe lung infection, a daily antibiotic.'
sinusitis