Bronchitis is inflammation or swelling of the bronchial tubes (bronchi), the air passages between the nose and the lungs. More specifically, bronchitis is when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed or infected.
People with bronchitis breathe less air and oxygen into their lungs; they also have heavy mucus or phlegm forming in the airways. Bronchitis may be acute or chronic (long-term):
Acute bronchitis is a shorter illness that commonly follows a cold or viral infection, such as the flu. It generally consists of a cough with green sputum, chest discomfort or soreness, fever, and sometimes shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis usually lasts a few days or weeks.
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent, mucus-producing cough on most days of the month, three months of a year for two successive years in absence of a secondary cause of the cough. People with chronic bronchitis have varying degrees of breathing difficulties, and symptoms may get better and worsen during different parts of the year.
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 asMycoplasma 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 of both getting bronchitis and of having more severe symptoms include the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, smokers, individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) oremphysema, and anyone with repeated exposure to lung irritants.
Who gets bronchitis?
People at increased risk of getting bronchitis and increased risk of having more severe symptoms include:
- Smokers - A study carried out by researchers at the COPD Program at Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque found that smoking was associated with the overproduction of mucus that causes bronchitis. They reported their findings in theJournal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
- People who are exposed to a lot of secondhand smoke
- People with weakened immune systems
- The elderly and infants
- People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Those who are exposed to irritants at work, such as chemical fumes from ammonia, strong acids, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide or bromine
- People who are exposed to air pollution - researchers at UC Davis discovered a close association between exposure to components of air pollution and acute bronchitis in preschool-aged kids. The air particulates, known as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) originate from vehicle exhaust, wood-burning stoves, tobacco smoke, coal burning, and grilling food. Another study found that more people die in the United Kingdom from traffic pollution than from automobile accidents.
- Inflammation or swelling of the bronchi
- Coughing
- Production of clear, white, yellow, grey, or green mucus (sputum)
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Blocked or runny noseAcute bronchitis usually results in a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks even after the bronchitis resolves. Chronic bronchitis's long-term inflammation leads to scarring of the bronchial tubes and airways, which leads to production of excessive mucus. Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include frequent respiratory infections and a cough that is worse in the mornings and in damp weather.
When to Seek Medical Care
Although most cases of bronchitis resolve on their own, some people may have complications. A doctor can prescribe treatments that relieve some of these symptoms.
Severe coughing that interferes with rest orsleep can be reduced with prescription cough medications.
Wheezing may respond to an inhaler withalbuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) or fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair), which dilates the airways.
If fever continues beyond 4 to 5 days, see the doctor fto rule out pneumonia or other serious bacterial infections.
See a health care professional if the person is coughing up blood, rust-colored sputum, or an increased amount of green phlegm.
