Bronchitis is defined as an inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes are important airways responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs. People who are diagnosed with bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus. Bronchitis can start suddenly and may be acute or can start gradually and be long-term (chronic).
Bronchitis Types
The types of bronchitis can be as follows:
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis often develops from a cold or respiratory infection and is very common. Also commonly called a chest cold, acute bronchitis generally improves within a week to 10 days without a long-lasting effect. However, the cough can linger for weeks.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a serious condition and is characterised by a persistent irritation or inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes, often caused by smoking. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder).
Bronchitis Symptoms
Acute Bronchitis Symptoms
In case of acute bronchitis, an individual may experience symptoms of cold, such as:
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches and mild headache
Production of sputum (mucus) which can be clear, white, yellow, grey or green colour. Rarely, it can be streaked with blood.
Shortness of breath and wheezing
Slight fever and chills
Chest discomfort
Fatigue
While the symptoms usually improve in about a week, a person may experience a nagging cough that continues for several weeks.
Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis may include:
Cough
Fatigue
Chest discomfort
Production of mucus
Runny nose
Shortness of breath
Note: Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts for a time span of at least three months (with bouts that recur for approximately two consecutive years.
Bronchitis Causes
Viruses
Viruses are generally the cause of acute bronchitis, typically the same virus responsible for cold and flu (influenza). Different viruses, all of which are contagious, can cause acute bronchitis. Antibiotics do not have an effect on viruses, so this type of medication is not useful in most bronchitis cases.
Smoking cigarettes or cannabis
Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Dust or toxic gases or air pollution in the environment can contribute to bronchitis.
Bronchitis Risk Factors
Cigarette smoking: People who smoke or live with a smoker are at a higher risk of acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Low resistance: This may be a result of another acute condition, such as a cold or a chronic condition that compromises the immune system. Older adults, young children, and infants have a higher vulnerability to infection.
A job involving exposure to irritants: The risk of developing bronchitis is higher if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or textiles exposed to chemical fumes.
Gastric reflex: Repeated incidences of severe heartburn can irritate the throat and make an individual more prone to bronchitis.
Autoimmune disorder: People who have an autoimmune disorder or any illness that causes an inflammation are at a greater risk of inflammation.
Bronchitis Complications
Some of the complications associated with bronchitis include:
Though a single episode of bronchitis is often not a cause of concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people.
Repeated bouts of bronchitis indicate a COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder).
Bronchitis Diagnosis
There is no specific test to diagnose bronchitis, however possible tests may include:
Nasal swab: A doctor may use a swab (soft-tipped stick) in the nose to test for viruses.
Chest X-ray: If the cough lasts for a long time, a chest X-ray helps rule out bronchitis and detect signs of other conditions that are causing symptoms.
Blood tests: A doctor may conduct blood tests using a needle in the arm to look for infections or check overall health.
Sputum test: A sputum test involves testing a sample of sputum for signs of a bacteria or virus.
Pulmonary function tests: If a doctor thinks you have chronic bronchitis, a pulmonary function test detects the functioning of the lungs.
Bronchitis Treatment
Medications do not help treat acute bronchitis. In some cases, medications help relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause including:
Antiviral medications: If bronchitis is caused by the flu virus, a pulmonologist may prescribe an antiviral medication to relieve symptoms.
Bronchodilators: A doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator to help open the airways in case of trouble breathing.
Anti-inflammatory medications: This includes corticosteroids and other medications to help reduce inflammation.
Cough suppressants: Over-the-counter cough suppressants (antitussives) may help with a nagging cough.
Antibiotics: It is highly unlikely that bronchitis treatment includes antibiotics unless the doctor suspects a bacterial infection.
Asthma/ COPD treatment: In case of asthma or COPD, additional breathing treatments or medications may be recommended to treat chronic bronchitis.
Bronchitis Prevention
The following tips can help reduce the risk of bronchitis:
Get a flu shot annually: Several cases of acute bronchitis result from a virus (influenza). Getting a flu vaccine offers protection from the flu.
Maintain hygiene: Regularly washing hands and avoiding touching the face helps reduce the risk of a viral infection.
Avoid contact with people who have a viral infection: Maintain distance from people who have a viral infection or another respiratory condition.
Avoid cigarette smoking: Tobacco use and cigarette smoking raises the risk of chronic bronchitis.
Wear a face covering: In case of COPD, consider wearing a mask when outdoors helps reduce exposure to infections.
FAQs
What are 5 symptoms of bronchitis?
The 5 most common symptoms of bronchitis are:
Stuff, runny nose
Chest congestion
Low-grade fever
Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing
A cough that produces yellow or green mucus.
How do you confirm bronchitis?
A doctor usually diagnoses bronchitis with the help of a physical examination. Often, there is no need for further tests. The physical exam may include listening to the chest when the patient is breathing to detect shortness of breath and wheezing.
Why do people get bronchitis?
Bronchitis is characterised by a sudden development of inflammation in the bronchial tubes. It is usually caused by a virus or breathing in an irritant such as dust, fumes, tobacco smoke and air pollution.
How long does bronchitis last?
A majority of people get relief from bronchitis in approximately two weeks. However, in some cases, it might take three to six weeks.
