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Overview
Bronchitis is a medical condition wherein the inner walls of the air passages of your lungs become inflamed. It usually occurs after a respiratory condition such as a cough or a bad cold. Some of the symptoms of bronchitis include soreness in the chest, coughing, secretion of yellowing mucus, and wheezing. It is also accompanied by soreness and even a slight fever. However, there is a lesser known sign that you may be suffering from bronchitis: bad breath
Description
When a person is suffering from bronchitis, the mucus can accumulate in the lungs. After a while, the mucus can stagnate and release an odor. This condition, called stomatodysodia, is directly related to the respiratory illness of bronchitis. It is usually more pronounced in people who smoke, as the cigarette smoke is entrenched in the mucus. Most people who experience stomatodysodia can recognize the foul smell of their breath.
Detection
There are various ways in which bad breath can be detected. The most obvious source of information will be from someone who constantly interacts with you. An organoleptic measurement may also be conducted. In this test, the patient blows through a straw while an examiner rates the odor using a specific scale. The problem with this is that it is subjective, and the sense of smell is usually not consistent.
Sulfur Measurement
There are more objective tests that can be done to diagnose bad breath. The first is through the use of an instrument called a halimeter. A tube is used to connect the patient's mouth to the halimeter which measures the sulfur levels found in the exhaled air. Another technique to diagnose bad breath is called gas chromatography, which also measures the sulfur levels of the breath. The advantage of using this instrument is that it can indicate the part of the body that is producing the sulfur.
Treatment
The best way to treat bad breath associated with bronchitis is to treat the root cause of it. Remedies such as breath mints and gum only serve to mask the odor. The bronchitis itself must be cured to permanently eliminate the bad breath. A bronchitis patient should get rest and dehumidify his frequent environment to avoid exacerbating the illness. Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic beverages should also be done to alleviate the bronchitis faster. If the condition is caused by a pathogen such as bacteria, a doctor should be consulted to be prescribed the proper medication.
Easing the Symptom
To lessen bad breath while seeking bronchitis treatment, avoid tobacco products and alcohol. Cigarettes and other similar items worsen bronchitis and delay recovery from it. On the other hand, alcohol tends to dry out the mouth, making it easier for bacteria to grow. Also, brush your teeth regularly to remove debris which may contribute in making the breath smell foul. Studies also show that drinking tea, which contains the chemicals catechin and theaflavin, may help in lessening the condition.
