23/10/2023
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have Bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.
Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute Bronchitis is very common. Chronic Bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.
Acute Bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although you may continue to cough for weeks. However, if you have repeated bouts of Bronchitis, you may have chronic Bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic Bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
SYMPTOMS
For either acute Bronchitis or chronic Bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:
Cough
Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Slight Fever and chills
Chest discomfort
If you have acute Bronchitis, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks after the inflammation resolves. Chronic Bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring for at least two consecutive years.
If you have chronic Bronchitis, you're likely to have periods when your signs and symptoms worsen. At those times, you may have acute Bronchitis on top of your chronic Bronchitis
CAUSES
Acute Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and Flu (Influenza). Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so this type of medication isn't useful in most cases of Bronchitis.
The most common cause of chronic Bronchitis is smoking ci******es. Air pollution and dust or toxic Gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.
RISK FACTORS
Factors that increase your risk of Bronchitis include:
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
Although a single episode of Bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to Pneumonia in some people. Repeated bouts of Bronchitis may indicate that you're developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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