Bronchitis is when the lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs becomes inflamed. One of the main symptoms is a persistent cough, which often starts dry but can eventually bring up phlegm, making it hard to breathe. In some cases, bronchitis resolves on its own, but treatment options include medication, various therapies, and home remedies.
The bronchial tubes are airways that connect your windpipe to your lungs, allowing air to flow through. When these tubes get swollen and filled with mucus, airflow gets restricted, often due to a viral infection, the most common cause of bronchitis.
Bronchitis can either be short-lived, known as acute bronchitis, or long-term, referred to as chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis, or a chest cold, is the more common type and is usually temporary. Most people with healthy immune systems recover within a week, though the cough might stick around for up to four weeks. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and involves a mucus-producing cough lasting three months a year for two consecutive years.
People with chronic bronchitis may be more prone to lung infections and sensitive to pollutants and allergens, experiencing periods of heightened symptoms that come and go. Regardless of the type, symptoms generally include a stubborn cough that may produce phlegm, wheezing, chest discomfort, a low-grade fever, and shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity.
Acute bronchitis often happens after a cold or flu, driven by a viral infection that inflames the bronchial tubes. While a bacterial infection can cause it, that’s less common. Chronic bronchitis largely results from prolonged exposure to irritants like air pollution and smoke.
Anyone can get acute bronchitis, but it mostly affects infants, young children, and older adults, especially those living in crowded, polluted places or who have asthma. Factors increasing the risk of chronic bronchitis include smoking, long-term exposure to air pollutants, and recurring respiratory infections.
A healthcare provider can diagnose bronchitis by examining symptoms and possibly conducting further tests to assess the severity. Various treatment strategies are available, including medications, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, often combined for the best results.
Medications for acute bronchitis focus mainly on relieving symptoms, while chronic bronchitis treatments aim to manage ongoing symptoms and improve quality of life. Oxygen therapy may be recommended for chronic cases, provided in hospitals or at home, to help improve breathing.
Preventing bronchitis involves reducing exposure to viruses and irritants that can inflame the airways. Those at higher risk, like children and older adults, might face complications such as pneumonia and respiratory distress. Chronic bronchitis poses a higher risk of complications because it can damage the bronchial tubes further, leading to increased mucus production and airway blockage.
Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, making it contagious; however, irritants causing acute bronchitis aren’t contagious. Chronic bronchitis isn’t generally contagious unless accompanied by a current infection.
In many cases, acute bronchitis resolves on its own. However, it’s advisable to seek medical help if a cough lasts more than two to three weeks or worsens, or if there are breathing difficulties. Chronic bronchitis, being a long-term condition, requires continuous management and medical consultation if symptoms intensify or new complications arise.
