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Bronchitis is a condition where the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs, becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes the airways to swell and fill with mucus, making breathing uncomfortable. As the body tries to clear this excess mucus, a persistent cough develops. People with bronchitis often cough up thick mucus, which may be clear, yellow, or green in color.
Signs and symptoms of acute or chronic bronchitis include:
Depending on how severe the condition is, there are two types of bronchitis:
Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition, usually caused by a viral infection such as a common cold or flu. It leads to a cough with mucus, chest discomfort, mild fever, and fatigue. Symptoms typically improve within a few weeks.
Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition in which the airways remain inflamed for months or years. It is commonly associated with smoking or long-term exposure to air pollution and irritants. People with chronic bronchitis experience persistent cough, excessive mucus production, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections.
The following are the causes of both acute and chronic bronchitis:
Bacteria: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis are some of the bacteria that can cause bronchitis.
Viruses: Viruses that cause bronchitis include influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, rhinovirus (the common cold), and coronavirus.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis, and long-term exposure to dust, toxic gases, and air pollution at work or in the environment can further irritate the airways and worsen the condition.
Air Pollution: Air pollution can irritate and inflame the bronchial tubes, leading to increased mucus production, coughing, and a higher risk of developing both acute and chronic bronchitis.
In the early days of infection, bronchitis can resemble a common cold, making it hard to distinguish. A doctor will perform a physical examination and may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Several factors increase the risk of bronchitis. They include:
Cigarette smoke: People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at higher risk of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Gastric reflux: Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate your throat, increasing your susceptibility to bronchitis.
Exposure to irritants: Being exposed to lung irritants like grains, textiles, or chemical fumes at work increases the risk of developing bronchitis.
Low immunity: can make you more prone to bronchitis. This may occur after another illness, like a cold, or due to a chronic condition that weakens the immune system. Older adults, infants, and children are especially vulnerable.
Usually within a couple of weeks Most cases of acute bronchitis get better without treatment.
Cough medicine: If your cough is keeping you awake at night, taking a cough suppressant before bedtime may help.
Antibiotics: Since most acute bronchitis cases are viral, antibiotics usually aren’t needed. Your doctor may prescribe them only if a bacterial infection is suspected.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: The doctor may recommend these to reduce inflammation and relieve associated symptoms.
Bronchodilators: If you have difficulty breathing, the doctor may suggest a bronchodilator to help open your airways and improve airflow.
Antiviral medicines: If bronchitis is caused by the flu, the doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help ease symptoms and speed up recovery.
Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy: This breathing exercise program, guided by a respiratory therapist, helps you breathe more easily and improves your ability to stay active.
Other medications: For patients with allergies, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), doctors may recommend inhalers and other medications to reduce inflammation and open narrowed airways.
