Bronchitis Symptoms and Treatments
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an
inflammation of the airways in the lungs. The main tubes that air flows through
in the lungs are called bronchi, and branching off them are smaller tubes
called bronchioles. When these tubes become inflamed it causes narrowing,
constriction, and blockage of the airways, which leads to symptoms of
bronchitis. Bronchitis can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic,
recurring multiple times for more than two years.
Acute Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic
bronchitis is a recurrent disorder where there is chronic inflammation,
swelling, and narrowing of the airways. It is defined as a cough with production
of mucus (sputum) for at least a 3-month period, for two years in a row.
Chronic bronchitis is usually the result of lung damage from chronic medical
disorders or smoking.
Smokers and Bronchitis
Smoking
is a major irritant to the lungs, and it causes damage on the cellular level.
This damage to the lung tissue, especially the cilia (cells in the lung lining
that help clear out debris and mucus), causes the lung tissue to be more
susceptible to acute bronchitis. Smokers also eventually cause so much damage
to their lungs they can get chronic bronchitis and COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease).
What Causes Acute Bronchitis?
Acute
bronchitis is caused by upper respiratory viral infections in 90% of cases; the
other 10% of cases are caused by bacterial infections.
What Causes Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic
bronchitis is caused by repeated inflammation of the lung tissues. People at
highest risk for chronic bronchitis are those who have occupational exposure to
lung irritants (such as coal miners, construction workers, metal workers,
etc.), and smokers. High levels of air pollution can also contribute to
developing chronic bronchitis.
What Are the
Symptoms of Bronchitis?
There
are many symptoms of bronchitis that can often be painful and uncomfortable.
List of Bronchitis Symptoms
·
Shortness of breath
·
Cough
·
Production of mucus (phlegm)
·
Wheezing
·
Fever
Bronchitis: When to Call the Doctor
If
bronchitis is suspected, you may need to seek professional medical attention.
For These Bronchitis Symptoms, Contact a Doctor
·
Shortness of breath
·
Chest pain
·
High fever
·
Coughing up blood
·
Throat swelling
Home Remedies for Bronchitis
If
symptoms of bronchitis are not severe, you may be able to effectively treat it
with home remedies.
Home Remedies for Bronchitis
·
Drink plenty of fluids
·
Quit smoking
·
Take over-the-counter fever-reducing medications such as aspirin,
acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) if advised
by a doctor
Bronchitis Diagnosis
Bronchitis
is generally diagnosed by a doctor taking a medical history and performing a
physical exam. Usually no additional tests are needed.
In
more severe cases of bronchitis, or in cases of chronic bronchitis, a chest
X-ray, blood tests, or pulmonary function testing may be needed.
Acute Bronchitis Treatment
Treatment
for bronchitis usually includes home remedies discussed such as drinking plenty
of fluids, quitting smoking, getting plenty of rest, and taking
over-the-counter fever reducers.
Over-the-counter
cough medications are rarely useful and in some young children may be
harmful.Antibiotics are rarely prescribed because most cases of bronchitis are
caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics.If symptoms are severe
enough to see a doctor, patients may be prescribed medications.
Acute Bronchitis Medications
Chronic Bronchitis Treatment
There
are several ways to help keep chronic bronchitis at bay.
Chronic Bronchitis Treatments
·
Inhaled bronchodilators
·
Inhaled or oral steroids
·
Supplemental oxygen
·
Yearly flu vaccinations
·
Pneumococcal vaccinations
Treatment For Chronic Bronchitis and COPD
The
treatment for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is similar to that
for chronic bronchitis: inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled or oral steroids,
supplemental oxygen, annual flu vaccinations, and pneumococcal vaccinations.
The
most important thing patients with COPD can do is stop smoking.
How Can I Avoid Getting Bronchitis?
The
most important thing a person can do to reduce the risk of getting bronchitis is
to not smoke and to avoid second-hand smoke.
Other Ways to Reduce Bronchitis Risk
·
Exercise regularly
·
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
·
Wash hands frequently
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