Verified By Apollo Pulmonologist September 7, 2023
4598Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, i.e., the tubes that carry air into and from the lungs. People with bronchitis experience a nagging cough in which they cough out thickened discoloured mucus.
Bronchitis can either be Chronic or Acute. Acute Bronchitis can be due to viral infections that cause flu or cold or due to bacterial infections and is quite common. In chronic bronchitis, cough and other respiratory symptoms may last longer or keep recurring.
What are the Types of Bronchitis
Bronchitis can be of two types :
It often develops from a cold or any respiratory infection. This type of Bronchitis is commonly referred to as chest cold, which usually heals within 7-10 days. While there are no noticeable lasting effects, the cough may persist for weeks. Since cold and flu viruses are contagious, Acute Bronchitis is also considered contagious.
This is a more serious type of Bronchitis in which there is inflammation and constant irritation of the bronchial airways, often caused due to smoking. The symptoms of Bronchitis may last for about 3 months up to 2 years and often require medical attention. It is a serious lung disease that is often categorized as a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis?
Sometimes it becomes difficult to distinguish between Bronchitis and other breathing problems. Bronchitis often starts with common problems of cold, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. However, one of the notable signs of Bronchitis is a nagging cough that can last for more than a week.
Some of the common signs of both Chronic and Acute Bronchitis include:
Symptoms specific to Acute Bronchitis include:
The symptoms associated with Chronic Bronchitis include:
What Causes Bronchitis?
The viruses responsible for common cold and flu are the same that cause Acute Bronchitis. But, sometimes, it might also be caused due to bacteria.
For both the cases, the bronchial tubes swell up, producing more mucus as the body fights the germs. This leads to the contraction of airways, making it difficult to breathe.
Apart from that, the common causes attributed to the development of Bronchitis include:
What are the Complications of Bronchitis?
A single episode of Bronchitis is not a concern for most people. However, for some, it may lead to Pneumonia. Repeated spells of Bronchitis may indicate that you are suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Who is at Risk of Contracting Bronchitis?
Certain factors that raises your risk of getting Bronchitis includes:
How is Bronchitis Diagnosed?
During the initial few days of Bronchitis, it becomes difficult to determine whether you are suffering from common cold and flu or have developed Bronchitis. On your visit to the doctor, they will use a stethoscope to examine your lungs as your breathe.
If the doctor suspects the development of Bronchitis they may advise the following tests:
What are the Treatment options for Bronchitis
The basic treatment for Bronchitis is rest and consuming lots of fluids. A spell of Acute Bronchitis will get cured on its own.
Some of the other treatment options include:
Medical Treatment
Since viral infections usually cause Bronchitis, there is no use for antibiotics. However, if the doctor suspects the infection to be caused by bacteria, then they may prescribe antibiotics. Other medications include :
Therapies
In the case of Chronic Bronchitis, pulmonary rehabilitation might be effective. This is a breathing exercise program in which the respiratory therapist teaches you various breathing exercises to improve your ability to breathe more easily.
Self-treatment
You can self-treat your infection if it is a case of Acute Bronchitis.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You need to consult a doctor if your cough:
To consult an expert doctor,
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
How to Prevent Bronchitis?
Follow these preventive measures to reduce the possibility of getting Bronchitis:
Wrapping up
If you have been consulting a physician for your cough, convey all the complications you are facing, along with any tests conducted. Prepare a list of queries that you have regarding your problem so that your doctor can advise you on the right course of treatment. Your doctor may diagnose your problem by advising further tests such as chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, and sputum culture.
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
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