Overview

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterised by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages that carry air to the lungs. It can be acute or chronic. Symptoms include coughing, mucus production, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Viral infections often cause acute bronchitis, while chronic bronchitis is often linked to smoking and long-term exposure to irritants.

The infected person coughs because irritation causes the airways (trachea and bronchi) to expand and fill with mucus. The cough may persist for a few days or weeks. That is the primary sign of bronchitis. The most frequent cause of acute bronchitis is viruses. Both acute and chronic bronchitis can be brought on by smoke and other irritants.

Bronchitis

Causes of Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis develops suddenly due to various factors. The following conditions can cause acute bronchitis:

A virus, such as the flu or cold virus
A bacterial infection
Exposure to lung-irritating chemicals, such as dust, fumes, vapours, tobacco smoke, and air pollution

Acute bronchitis is more common in those who:

Get an inflammatory virus or bacterium
Smoke
Breathe in secondhand smoke or have an allergy or asthma.

Chronic bronchitis - Repeated inflammation and damage to the lung and airway tissues lead to chronic bronchitis. Although smoking is the most frequent cause, not all cases of bronchitis are caused by smoking. Long-term exposure to dust, pollution, environmental fumes, hereditary factors, and other variables are also potential causes. Acute bronchitis that flares up often, a history of a respiratory condition, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be the reason for chronic bronchitis. Pesticide exposure may make the risk higher. Both kinds of illness are more common in those with allergies or asthma. Quitting smoking is the best defence against chronic bronchitis.

bronchitis

Symptoms of Bronchitis

The following list of signs and symptoms may indicate either acute or chronic bronchitis:

The secretion of mucus, also known as sputum, can be clear, white, yellowish-grey, green, or, very infrequently, stained with blood.
Weary
Breathing difficulties
Chills and light fever
Pain in the chest

Some cold symptoms, such as body pains or a slight headache, may be present if you have acute bronchitis. A persistent cough that lasts for several weeks is possible, even though these symptoms usually get better in about a week.

Treatment Options For Bronchitis

A bronchitis patient may be advised by their physician to:

Relax and not exert themselves
Hydrate with liquids
Use over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as ibuprofen
OTC medications assist in reducing cough symptoms and associated discomfort. Acute bronchitis usually goes away with time and without medical intervention.

For a period, the signs of chronic bronchitis may disappear or become better. But, they will return or worsen once again, mainly if smoking or other triggers are present.

Cough medicine - While coughing helps clear mucus from the bronchial passages, there are times when medication is more helpful, such as at night.
Bronchodilators: They assist the release of mucus by opening the bronchial passageways.
Mucolytics: They thin or loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, facilitating phlegm production.
Steroid and anti-inflammatory medications: These can aid in lowering inflammation, which can lead to tissue preservation.
Oxygen therapy: To help with breathing, a person may require more oxygen in extreme circumstances.

A physician may recommend antibiotics if a bacterial infection causes acute bronchitis. In certain situations, taking antibiotics may also help avoid a subsequent illness.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Pulmonology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

It may be annoying to have bronchitis. The cough feels like it will never go away, even when you're done with body pains and a runny nose. Until your condition improves, over-the-counter medications can assist. See your doctor if you're experiencing difficulties controlling your symptoms.

FAQs

Q. If I get bronchitis, how should I care for myself?
A. Treating underlying illnesses such as COPD can help you manage your chronic bronchitis and lessen the frequency of your symptoms. A strategy tailored to your needs can be developed with your healthcare practitioner.

Q. If you have acute bronchitis, for what length of time are you contagious?
A. Although bronchitis is not communicable in and of itself, several causes exist that can spread the infection for a few days to a week if a virus is the cause of your bronchitis. If you have bacterial bronchitis, you usually become non-contagious 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment.

Q. Do I need to take antibiotics for bronchitis?
A. No, using antibiotics will not usually help you recover from bronchitis. Antibiotics eliminate the germs that cause illness. Ninety-five per cent of cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are ineffective in eradicating a virus.

Q. What is the best way to treat bronchitis symptoms?
A. With over-the-counter medications and rest, you can treat bronchitis symptoms at home. Breathing becomes easier when mucus is released, as demonstrated by warm showers or using a humidifier.

Q. What are the complications of bronchitis?
A. Bronchitis may worsen any underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inform your healthcare practitioner of any ongoing medical issues you may have.

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3993-bronchitis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8888