Description

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. These tubes carry air to and from the lungs. People who often have bronchitis cough thickening of the mucosa, which can be the color. Bronchitis may begin suddenly and be short-lived (acute) or to start slowly and become long-term (chronic).

Acute bronchitis, which often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection, it is very common. It is also called a chest cold, acute bronchitis usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may persist for weeks.

Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. 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

If you have acute bronchitis, you may have cold symptoms, such as:

  • Cough
  • The production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellow-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood
  • Sore throat
  • Mild headache and pains in the body
  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue
  • Discomfort in the chest
  • Shortness of breath and wheezing

While these symptoms usually get better in a week, you can have a persistent cough that lingers for several weeks.

For chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:

  • Cough
  • The production of mucus
  • Fatigue
  • Discomfort in the chest
  • Shortness of breath

Chronic bronchitis is usually defined as a cough that lasts for at least three months, with episodes that are repeated for at least two consecutive years. If you have chronic bronchitis, you probably have periods when your cough or other symptoms worsen. Also it is possible to have an acute infection in the upper part of the chronic bronchitis.

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor or clinic for advice if cough:

  • It is accompanied by a fever of more than 100.4 ° F (38 C).
  • Produces blood.
  • Is associated with severe or worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing.
  • Includes other serious signs and symptoms, for example, appears pale and lethargic, has a bluish color to the lips and nails, or have trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.
  • Lasts for more than three weeks.

Before you go, your doctor or clinic can guide you on how to prepare for your appointment.

Causes

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Many different viruses, all of which are highly contagious — can cause acute bronchitis. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so this type of medication is not useful in the majority of cases of bronchitis.

The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person through droplets that are produced when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks and inhale the droplets. The virus can also be spread through contact with infected objects. This is what happens when you touch something with the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the disease.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of bronchitis include:

  • The smoke of the cigarette. People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at higher risk of acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
  • Low resistance. This may be a result of other acute illness, like a cold or a chronic disease that compromises the immune system. Older adults, infants and young children have increased vulnerability to infection.
  • Exposure to irritants in the workplace. Your risk of developing bronchitis is higher if you work around certain lung irritant, such as grains or textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes.
  • Gastric reflux. The repeated attacks of severe acidity can irritate the throat, and makes you more likely to develop bronchitis.

Complications

Although a single episode of bronchitis usually is not a cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. The repeated attacks of bronchitis, however, may mean that you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Prevention

To reduce the risk of bronchitis, follow these tips:

  • Get an annual flu vaccine. Many of the cases of acute bronchitis a result of the flu, a virus. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu. Also, ask your doctor or clinic if you need a vaccine that protects against certain types of pneumonia.
  • Wash your hands. To reduce the risk of contracting a viral infection, wash your hands frequently and get in the habit of using alcohol gel for hands. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have a viral infection. Stay away from people who have the flu or another respiratory disease.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.
  • See the face cover. If you have COPD , consider the use of a face mask at work if you are exposed to dust or fumes. Talk with your employer about the appropriate protection. Wearing a face mask when you are going to be among crowds helps to reduce the exposure to infection.

Diagnosis

During the first days of the disease, it can be difficult to distinguish the signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis from those of a common cold. During the physical exam, your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen carefully to your lungs when you breathe.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest the following tests:

  • X-ray of the chest. A chest x-ray can help determine if you have pneumonia or another condition that may explain his cough. This is especially important if you smoke or have ever smoked.
  • Sputum tests. Sputum is the mucus you cough up from your lungs. You can be tested to see if you have diseases that could be helped by the use of antibiotics. The sputum may also be tested for signs of allergies.
  • Pulmonary function test. During a pulmonary function test, blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures the amount of air that the lungs can hold and how quickly you can move air out of your lungs. This test verifies the presence of signs of asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Treatment

Most cases of acute bronchitis get better without treatment, usually within a couple of weeks.

Drugs

In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend other medications, including:

  • Cough medicine. If your cough keeps you from sleeping, you can try to cough suppressants at bedtime.
  • Other medications. If you have allergies, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may recommend an inhaler and other medications to reduce inflammation and open up narrowed passages in your lungs.
  • Antibiotics. Because most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viral infections, antibiotics are not effective. However, if your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic.

Therapies

If you have chronic bronchitis, you can benefit from:

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a breathing exercise program in which a respiratory therapist who teaches you to breathe more easily and increase your ability to be physically active.
  • Oxygen therapy. This provides more oxygen to help you breathe.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have bronchitis, to help you feel better, you can try the following self-care steps:

  • Get enough rest. Rest and sleep to help your body heal.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can help to dilute the mucus.
  • To avoid lung irritant. Do not smoke. Wear a mask when the air is contaminated, or if it is exposed to irritating substances, such as paint or household cleaning products with strong fumes.
  • The use of a humidifier. Warm and humid air helps relieve a cough and loosens the mucus in the airways. Be sure to clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water reservoir.
  • Consider the possibility of a face that covers the entrance of cold air. If the cold air causes the cough gets worse and cause shortness of breath, put on a facial mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue before you exit to the street.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your family doctor. If you have chronic bronchitis, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist).

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of answers to the following questions:

  • Have you recently had a cold or the flu?
  • Have you ever had pneumonia?
  • Do you have any other medical condition?
  • What medicines, vitamins, and supplements that you take regularly?
  • They are exposed to lung irritant in your work?
  • Do you smoke or are around tobacco smoke?

If possible, bring a family member or friend to your appointment. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

If you've ever seen another doctor for a cough, tell your current doctor what tests were done. If possible, bring the report with you, including the results of a chest x-ray, sputum culture, and the pulmonary function test.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask several questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • Do your symptoms affect your sleep or work?
  • Is there something to improve or worsen your symptoms?
  • It makes the air cold bother you?
  • Do you notice that you gasping at times?
  • Has had bronchitis before? Has lasted for more than three weeks?
  • Between bouts of bronchitis, have you ever noticed that you are more short of breath than a year before?
  • Do you exercise? You can climb a flight of stairs without difficulty? Can you walk as fast as before?
  • Do you smoke? If so, how much and for how long?
  • You inhaled recreational drugs?
  • Have received the annual flu vaccine?
  • Have you ever been vaccinated against pneumonia? If so, when?
Symptoms and treatment of Bronchitis