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Overview
Boiling water is a common source of burn injuries. Water boils at a temperature of 100 degrees C, which can damage any skin tissue that comes into contact with the water. Burns come in three different degrees: first, second and third degree burns. The degree of the burn depends on how much of the skin tissue is destroyed; thinner skin is more likely to develop third degree burns due to the low amounts of skin tissue. Minor burns can be treated at home, whereas more severe burns require medical attention.
Step 1
Assess the damage. Burns are classified as first, second or third degree burns in order of increasing severity. First and second degree burns are typically very painful, whereas third degree burns result in little or no pain because the nerve endings are damaged. Third degree burns also cause the skin to appear charred or white; these burns require immediate medical care and cannot be treated at home. Third degree burns are rare with boiling water because they require the affected skin to be exposed to the heat source for multiple seconds. If the burn blisters or is red in color, it is a first or second degree burn, and can be treated with first aid.
Step 2
Cool the burn. Applying cool water to the burned surface will help prevent further tissue damage. This can be done by immersing the burned air in a reservoir of cool water, by running tap water over it, or by soaking a washcloth or rag in water and placing it on the affected area, notes MayoClinic.com. Do not use ice or ice-water, as this will only further damage the skin.
Step 3
Apply antibiotic ointment. Antibiotic ointments such as silver sulfadiazine will help keep bacteria from getting in the wound, explains the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. It also provides a seal over the injury. Antibiotic creams can be purchased over-the-counter from most drugstores.
Step 4
Cover the burned area. This is best done using a sterile gauze bandage; avoid any dressing with adhesives or any covering, such as cotton, which could deposit lint in the wound. Wrap the dressing loosely around the burn so as not to put any pressure on the damaged tissue. Change the dressing every day.
Step 5
Monitor for infection. Signs of an infected burn wound include red streaks emanating from the burned area, increased swelling, oozing and a fever. Infected burn injuries can be very dangerous, particularly if the infection is allowed to spread. If you are concerned about an infection, contact a medical professional to determine if further treatment is necessary.
Overview
A chest cough and infection are considered bronchitis, according to the Merck Manuals. Bronchitis is an infection in the bronchial tubes, or the airways. The infection causes increased mucus production and swelling in the airways, which restricts breathing and causes a consistent cough. A chest cough and infection is caused by a virus or bacteria and could be the result of allergies, asthma or the common cold. Seek medical advice on how to treat a chest cough with an infection properly.
Cause
MedlinePlus states that the most common type of bronchitis is a viral infection that begins in the nasal cavity and spreads into the lungs. The viral infection could lead to a secondary, bacterial infection. A doctor will determine the type of infection and how to treat it. People who smoke or have heart or lung disease are at a higher risk for a chest cough and infection. Young children, infants and the elderly are also at higher risk.
Symptoms
A chest cough and infection will be accompanied by other symptoms, such as wheezing, fatigue, increased mucus secretions, chest discomfort and body chills, according to MayoClinic.com. Wheezing is the result of inflamed airways that produces a high-pitched sound while breathing. Mucus secretions may be coughed up and will appear white, yellow or green in color. The chest feels tight and can develop minor pain. Body chills are the result of the body’s temperature rising to fight off the infection. If someone coughs up blood, he should talk with a doctor.
Treatment
Common treatment for a chest cough and infection are the use of cough suppressants, expectorants and antibiotics, if caused by a bacterial infection, according to the Merck Manuals. MayoClinic.com states that the best treatment for viral bronchitis is to get plenty of rest, drink increased fluids and breathe in moist air. Before using any medication, talk with a doctor.
Complications
Bronchitis can develop into pneumonia, complicating the condition, according to MedlinePlus. A chronic chest cough and infection can lead to one-sided heart failure, emphysema or pulmonary hypertension. If someone coughs up blood, notices the cough continually returns, develops a high fever or feels as if she cannot breathe, she should seek immediate medical attention.
Prevention
A chest cough and infection can be preventing by not smoking, avoiding people who appear to be sick, washing the hands regularly and getting the annual flu vaccine, according to MayoClinic.com. Not all sickness is preventable, but taking precautionary measures can reduce the chances of developing bronchitis.
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