Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. It occurs when the trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) within the lungs become inflamed because of infection or irritation from other causes.
There are two types of bronchitis:
- Acute bronchitis usually comes on quickly and gets better after 2 to 3 weeks. Most healthy people who get acute bronchitis get better without any problems.
- Chronic bronchitis keeps coming back and can last a long time, especially in people who smoke. Chronic bronchitis means you have a cough with mucus most days of the month for 3 months of the year for at least 2 years in a row
Bronchitis Causes
Bronchitis occurs most often during the cold and flu season, usually coupled with an upper respiratory infection.
- Several viruses cause bronchitis, including influenza A and B, commonly referred to as “the flu.”
- A number of bacteria are also known to cause bronchitis, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes so-called “walking pneumonia.”
- Bronchitis also can occur when a person inhales irritating fumes or dust. Chemical solvents and smoke, including tobacco smoke, have been linked to acute bronchitis.
- People at increased risk both of getting bronchitis and of having more severe symptoms include the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, smokers, and anyone with repeated exposure to lung irritants.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough that is dry and hacking at first. After a few days, the cough may bring up mucus. You may have a low fever and feel tired.
Acute bronchitis symptoms usually start 3 or 4 days after an upper respiratory tract infection. Most people get better in 2 to 3 weeks. But some people continue to have a cough for more than 4 weeks.
Pneumonia can have symptoms like acute bronchitis. Because pneumonia can be serious, it is important to know the differences between the two illnesses. Symptoms of pneumonia can include a high fever, shaking chills, and shortness of breath.
How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. This usually gives the doctor enough information to find out if you have acute bronchitis.
In some cases, the doctor may take a chest X-ray to make sure that you don’t have pneumonia or another lung problem.
How is it treated?
Most people can treat symptoms of acute bronchitis at home. Drink plenty of fluids. Use an over-the-counter cough medicine with an expectorant if your doctor recommends it. This can help you bring up mucus when you cough. Suck on cough drops or hard candies to soothe a dry or sore throat. Cough drops won’t stop your cough, but they may make your throat feel better. Most people don’t need antibiotics for acute bronchitis. Natural treatments for bronchitis include honey, lemon, ginger, bay leaf, and almonds. Each of these foods has properties that reportedly reduce symptoms of bronchitis. Consult your health care practitioner before taking or using any natural remedies. Check with your doctor if you have heart or lung disease, such as heart failure, COPD, or asthma. You may need more treatment.
Is Bronchitis Contagious ?
Bronchitis describes a group of symptoms (including airway inflammation, over-production of phlegm, cough), which can have various causes. If the cause of the bronchitis is viral or bacterial, it can be contagious. If the cause of the bronchitis is due to smoking, air pollution, or other inhaled irritants, it is not contagious.