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Bronchitis
Description
Bronchitis refers to an inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which deliver air to the lungs. This inflammation usually leads to production of mucus, and this results in coughing. Bronchitis that improves within 2-3 weeks is called acute bronchitis.
However, if the mucus and cough keep coming back for around 2 years (due to smoking), it is called chronic bronchitis. This usually occurs along with emphysema, and collectively it is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Causes
Bronchitis has several causes, some of them are:
- Viruses: Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by the same viruses that cause common cold and flu in healthy individuals. The most common viruses that cause bronchitis are Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Influenza A and B, and Para Influenza virus.
- Bacteria: Acute bronchitis is usually caused by bacteria in people with a pre-existing disease. Common bacterias involved are Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Bordetella pertussis.
- Air pollution: Bronchitis is also caused by substances that irritate the lungs such as smoke, smog, toxic gases, and dust.
- Smoking: Chronic bronchitis is commonly caused by smoking or passive smoking for a long-time.
Risk factors
You are at an increased risk of getting bronchitis if you are surrounded by the factors:
- Exposure to irritants: Your risks of getting this disease is very high if you live or work in an environment containing irritants in the air like toxic fumes, or smoke.
- Age: Bronchitis can affect people of all ages but children younger than 5 years of age are at an increased risk of getting this disease.
- Smoking: Chain-smoking and passive smoking increases your risk of developing chronic bronchitis.
- Family history: You are at a greater risk of getting this disease if your parents or siblings have it.
- Asthma and weak immune system: You’re at an increased risk of developing bronchitis if you have asthma or other allergies, and people with weaker immune system.
Symptoms
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic, acute bronchitis has symptoms for a few days or weeks but a patient with chronic bronchitis has to live with it for a long time. Some of the symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis are:
- Productive cough
- Low grade fever with chills
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest congestion
- Nose stuffiness
- Headaches
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis:
- Your doctor will need a detailed medical history regarding your symptoms.
- A physical exam along with breathing tests are also needed.
- Spirometry can be used to check proper breathing.
- lung function tests and chest X-Rays may also be needed in some cases.
Management
Acute bronchitis:
Treatment includes:
- At home remedies such as using a humidifier, lozenges or cough drops can help relieve symptoms.
- ibuprofen, panadol, or aspirin can be used if there is a fever.
- Staying hydrated, and resting well is also important.
Chronic Bronchitis:
Treatment includes:
- Inhalers which contain bronchodilators, to help with breathing.
- Medicines such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, or daliresp may be prescribed.
- Oxygen therapy may also be recommended
- Regular exercise, and smoking cessation.
When to consult a doctor?
Kindly consult your doctor if:
- You develop a high fever with chills along with the cough.
- Your symptoms are not improving.
- You are suddenly short of breath.
- You can feel your heart beating too fast.
- Your nails or lips look blue.
