Bronchitis

bron·​chi·​tis | brän-ˈkī-təs

Bronchitis arises whenever the bronchial tubes that supply air to the human lungs get inflamed and enlarged; it is merely a swelling in the airways of a human (bronchi). The Bronchi link the trachea (windpipe) to the human lungs' small air sacs (alveoli) and the body absorbs oxygen through the alveolar walls. Consequently, Bronchitis causes the bronchi to expand and be filled with sticky mucus; this makes breathing difficult and prompts a person to cough. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

Bronchitis

Causes

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The primary symptom of Bronchitis

A hacking cough that may last anywhere from one to three weeks in duration. If you have bronchitis and cough, you will most likely bring up mucus, but it is possible that you could have a dry cough instead. When you breathe, you could also hear a noise that sounds like rattling or whistling (wheezing). It's possible that you'll have cold-like symptoms if you have acute bronchitis, such as a minor headache or body pains. Even though you should start to feel better in about a week, you could have a persistent cough that lasts for a few weeks longer than normal.

A productive cough that has lasted for at least three months, with repeating cases occurring for at least two years in a row, is considered to be the defining characteristic of chronic bronchitis. People who suffer from chronic bronchitis are more prone to have bouts in which their cough or other symptoms become more severe. When this occurs, you run the risk of having an acute infection on top of the chronic bronchitis you already have.

Risks Factors

Risk factors are characteristics at the biological, psychological and community levels that precede and are associated with a higher likelihood of negative outcomes. These can include physical, social and environmental factors.

Cigarette smoke. People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at higher risk of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

Low resistance. This may result from another acute illness, such as a cold, or from a chronic condition that compromises your immune system. Older adults, infants and young children have greater vulnerability to infection.

Exposure to irritants on the job. Your risk of developing bronchitis is greater if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes.

Gastric reflux. Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate your throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.

Complications

Acute vs. Chronic Bronchitis

Before discussing the complications of bronchitis, it’s important to distinguish the two different kinds, as both the symptoms and impact can vary significantly.

Acute Bronchitis often occurs at the tail end of a cold or the flu. Instead of improving, a person may develop a low-grade fever and a bothersome cough. Roughly 90% of the time, acute bronchitis is viral in origin, so antibiotics are not helpful. Home remedies may ease the symptoms until they resolve on their own, though a cough may persist for several weeks.

Chronic Bronchitis is considered by many to be a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is characterized by a daily cough (often productive of large amounts of phlegm) that lasts for at least three months. In addition to coughing, symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, and weight loss may occur.

Image of Chronic Bronchitis Image of Acute Bronchitis

Acute Bronchitis Complications

While acute bronchitis usually runs its course, complications such as secondary bacterial infection (“superinfection”) may occur in 5% to 10% of people.

Secondary Infections

Bacteria that are commonly responsible for superinfections (and are often present on the skin and in the environment) include Streptococcus pneumoniae (the bacteria that causes pneumococcal pneumonia), Haemophilis Influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus.

  • Middle ear infections (otitis media), especially in children
  • Sinus infections (sinusitis)
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis (occurs when bacteria multiply in the bloodstream causing a body side and often very serious infection)

Prevention

To reduce your risk of bronchitis, follow these tips:

Avoid cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke increases your risk of chronic bronchitis. Get vaccinated. Many cases of acute bronchitis result from influenza, a virus. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu. You may also want to consider vaccination that protects against some types of pneumonia. Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of catching a viral infection, wash your hands frequently and get in the habit of using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Wear a surgical mask. If you have COPD, you might consider wearing a face mask at work if you're exposed to dust or fumes, and when you're going to be among crowds, such as while traveling.

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Treatment and Care

Acute bronchitis typically resolves on its own within a couple of weeks.

If your condition is caused by bacteria, which is uncommon, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics. They may recommend an inhaler if you have asthma, allergies, or wheezing. This aids in opening the airways, making it easier to breathe.

You can drink a lot of water to alleviate the symptoms of acute bronchitis. Daily consumption of eight to twelve glasses of water helps thin mucus and makes coughing easier.

Take nonprescription pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are analgesics that relieve pain. Avoid giving children aspirin, however. Acetaminophen is effective against both pain and fever.

Utilize nonprescription cough medicines. You may take a medication such as guaifenesin during the day to loosen mucus and make coughing easier. This is known as an expectorant by your doctor. Before administering any cough medicine to a child, you should consult a pediatrician.

References