Introduction
The human body has 2 lungs- left and right lungs. They are crucial for keeping us alive through the process of breathing in oxygen and taking out carbon dioxide. Bronchial tubes are the airways present in these lungs. Bronchitis is a medical condition that occurs when these bronchial tubes get inflamed. This causes coughing, with or without production of mucus.
Types
What are the most common types of bronchitis?
There are two types of bronchitis. These are:
- Acute bronchitis. It occurs over a short period of time. It is very common and occurs due to infections. Usually, recovery occurs within days or weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis. It is long-term. It lasts for at least 3 months. It comes back at least 2 years in a row. Due to inflammation of the airway lining, there may be breathing difficulties. Inflammation causes swelling and increased production of mucus.
Risk Factors
What are the risk factors for bronchitis?
The following are risk factors for chronic bronchitis:
- Family history of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis.
- Being exposed to certain types of dust.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Exposure to cigarette smoke (even if it is secondhand smoke).
- Old age.
Causes
What are the causes of bronchitis?
- Acute bronchitis. It occurs due to infections that lead to airway inflammation. Often times, bacterial infections can lead to acute bronchitis. Viral infections that can cause inflammation of the airways are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Chronic bronchitis. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of bronchitis?
The following are the most common signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis:
- Low-grade fever.
- Wheezing.
- Congested chest.
- Runny nose.
- Tiredness.
- Coughing.
- Yellowish or greenish sputum.
- Sore throat.
- Shortness of breath.
The following are the most common signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis:
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
- Mucus production.
- Chest discomfort.
Diagnostic Procedures & Tests
How is bronchitis diagnosed?
- Review of patient’s history such as presenting signs and symptoms. It should be noted that during the first few days of bronchitis, clinical manifestations are similar to those of a common cold.
- Physical examination.
- Additional tests are rarely conducted. In cases where fever is present, chest X-ray test can be performed to rule out pneumonia.
Doctor diagnosing patient’s health on lung disease, with radiological chest x-ray film for medical healthcare.
Treatment and Management
How is bronchitis treated?
Acute bronchitis.
It resolves spontaneously most of the time.
However, the following steps can be taken to make you feel better at home:
- Keep a humidifier near you.
- Use inhaled prescription medications such as albuterol.
- Use throat lozenges.
- Use over-the-counter medicines that have guaifenesin.
Chronic bronchitis.
The aim of treating chronic bronchitis is to improve breathing and control signs and symptoms.
- Quit smoking.
- Use medications for airway clearance.
- Oxygen therapy. This helps to breathe well.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation. Learn breathing techniques like pursed-lip breathing. This can help to prevent worsening of signs and symptoms.
Complications
What are the complications of bronchitis?
Pneumonia. Bronchitis can lead to development of pneumonia in some individuals.
A patient suffering from pneumonia.
Prevention
How do we prevent bronchitis?
- Avoid exposure to lung irritants such as cigarette smoke, paint and varnish.
- Wear a mask to cover the nose and mouth while using lung irritants such as paint.
- Keep hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and clean water.
- Receive recommended vaccines such as vaccine against the flu.