Bronchitis

Alternative Names

Bronchitis, Acute bronchitis, Chronic bronchitis

What is Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi). Bronchitis may be of two types: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is an bronchi inflammation caused by a viral infection, bacteria or chemicals. Chronic bronchitis usually is determined as a daily cough with production of sputum for 3 months, two years in a row.

Signs and symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis include:

• Cough
• Production of mucus (sputum) that can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color
• Fatigue
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort

Possible complications

Single episode of bronchitis is not a thing for great worry. However sometimes it can lead to pneumonia. Repeated bronchitis may signal:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Tuberculosis
• Sinusitis

What causes

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses similar to the viruses that cause colds and influenza.

Chronic bronchitis can be caused by smoking cigarettes. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can lead to the chronic bronchitis.

Prevention

To prevent bronchitis you should follow this advice:

• Stop smoking because tobacco smoke can make a current infection worse and makes you much more likely to develop chronic bronchitis.
• Practise good hygiene. As bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, which spreads through direct contact or through coughing and sneezing you should often wash your hands and use disposable tissues. It can help prevent the spread of infection.
• Protect yourself at workplace. If you work with substances that can irritate your airways or lungs, always wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

Treatment

The main purpose is to relieve symptoms and ease breathing. In most cases acute bronchitis requires only self-care treatments such as:

• Getting more rest
• Taking non-prescription pain-relievers
• Drinking fluids
• Breathing in warm, moist air

Medications

In some circumstances antibiotics can help. But usually bronchitis comes from a viral infection and therefore antibiotics aren't effective.

If you have a chronic lung disorder or if you smoke, antibiotics may reduce your risk of a serious, secondary infection.

No need to suppress a cough that brings up mucus, because coughing helps remove irritants from your lungs and air passages. Non-prescription cough medications may help if your cough keeps you from sleeping.

If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may prescribe you an inhaler and other medications to reduce inflammation and open narrowed airways.