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What To Know About Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the inner mucus lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. A nagging cough is one of the most prevalent bronchitis symptoms. A cough usually starts as dry but eventually produces phlegm, which makes it hard to breathe. Some cases of bronchitis go away on their own. Treatment includes medications, therapies, and home remedies.
The bronchial tubes are branch-like passageways, also known as bronchi, that carry air from the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs. The bronchial tubes swell and thicken with mucus, constricting airflow if they become infected or irritated. Contagious viral infections are the most common cause of bronchitis.
Bronchitis might be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Read on to learn what bronchitis is, including types, symptoms, treatment, and more.
Bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. There are two distinct types of bronchitis: acute, which is short-term, and chronic, which is long-lasting. Acute Acute bronchitis, or a chest cold, is the most common type. This inflammation of the bronchial tubes is temporary. Most people with healthy immune systems and no underlying illnesses recover from acute bronchitis within one week. Coughing may persist for up to four weeks in some people. Chronic Chronic bronchitis causes a persistent, phlegm-producing cough that lasts three months per year for at least two years in a row. This type is the most common type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of progressive lung conditions that make it hard to breathe. People with chronic bronchitis are more susceptible to lung infections and sensitive to air pollutants and allergens than others. Symptoms go through periods where they flare up and then subside. Bronchitis symptoms might vary depending on if it's acute or chronic but generally include: Coughing up mucus Fatigue Low-grade chest pain Low-grade fever (i.E., below 100.4 degrees) Shortness of breath Wheezing or whistling sound in the lungs Acute The most common sign of acute bronchitis is a persistent cough that lasts as long as four weeks. Coughing may produce clear, slimy phlegm or be yellowish-green. Acute bronchitis often strikes when you are sick or recovering from a cold or the flu, which causes symptoms like: Fatigue Fever Headache Muscle aches Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat Acute bronchitis narrows the airways, so you may notice a wheezing sound when you breathe. Other symptoms include a low-grade fever and chest discomfort. Acute bronchitis may cause shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity. Chronic Chronic bronchitis symptoms include a persistent cough with: Chest tightness Shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity Squeaky or whistling sounds while breathing Thick mucus Wheezing People with this chronic form of bronchitis are more likely to have frequent respiratory infections than others. They may develop blue skin discoloration due to a lack of oxygen in the blood as the disease progresses. Bronchitis develops if the airways, or bronchial tubes, in your lungs become inflamed. Acute bronchitis typically strikes in the wake of a cold, flu, or other viral infection. The virus invades your bronchial tubes, causing inflammation and a phlegmy cough. A bacterial infection may cause acute bronchitis, but it's less common. Other causes include irritants like: Air pollution Dust Fumes Perfume Pollen Smoke Vapors Long-term damage to the airways and lungs causes chronic bronchitis. People with chronic bronchitis typically have exposure to irritants, such as air pollution, fumes, and smoke. Risk Factors Anyone can develop acute bronchitis, but it's most common in infants, young children, and older adults. People who live in crowded and polluted areas and have asthma are also likelier to develop acute bronchitis. Factors that increase your risk of chronic bronchitis include: Age: Older adults are likelier to develop chronic bronchitis than others. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: This is a rare genetic condition that increases your risk of chronic bronchitis and other lung conditions. Family history: You might be more likely to have COPD, including chronic bronchitis, if someone in your family has it. Environmental irritants: Air pollution, dust, fumes, and secondhand smoke might lead to chronic bronchitis. Health conditions: These include illnesses that affect your lungs, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which irritates your esophagus, also have a high risk. Long-term smoking: People sometimes mistake chronic bronchitis for a "smoker's cough." A healthcare provider can diagnose acute and chronic bronchitis by assessing your symptoms. They might perform a physical exam and place a stethoscope on your chest to listen for wheezing. You might require other diagnostic tests, depending on how severe your symptoms are, such as: Arterial blood gas test: This checks the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. Chest X-ray: This imaging test can diagnose acute and chronic bronchitis and rule out pneumonia. This lung infection has symptoms similar to those of bronchitis. Pulse oximeter: A healthcare provider will clip this small sensor to a finger or toe to measure your blood oxygen levels. Spirometry: This test involves blowing into a tube to measure your lung function. Various methods can treat acute and chronic bronchitis, including medications, oxygen therapy, and home remedies. Using multiple treatments is usually the most effective route. Medications for Acute Bronchitis Medications that treat acute bronchitis include: Antibiotics: These only treat acute bronchitis caused by a bacterial infection. Cough suppressants: These include dextromethorphan, which treats a dry cough. A healthcare provider may prescribe dextromethorphan, and it's available over the counter in Delsym, Robitussin, and Zicam. Only take those drugs if coughing is keeping you awake. Don't give them to children younger than 4. Guaifenesin: This is an expectorant, or a drug that thins the mucus in your airways. Expectorants make it easy to cough up mucus and clear your airways. Inhaled bronchodilator medicines: You might use albuterol or ipratropium bromide to relieve wheezing. Pain relievers: These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce fever, inflammation, and pain, such as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Don't give aspirin to any child younger than 18. Tylenol (acetaminophen) also helps alleviate fever and pain. Medications for Chronic Bronchitis Medications that treat chronic bronchitis include: Antibiotics: You might require antibiotics if your symptoms flare due to a bacterial infection. Inhaled bronchodilator medicines: Albuterol helps open your airways, making it easier to breathe. Inhaled corticosteroids: These control flares of symptoms by suppressing inflammation of the lungs. Nicotine replacement therapy: This helps you quit smoking. Therapy A healthcare provider may order oxygen therapy if you have chronic bronchitis. You can receive this treatment in a hospital, at a medical facility, or at home. Inhaled oxygen increases the availability of oxygen to your lungs and blood and helps with breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation is another therapy for chronic bronchitis. This therapy combines exercise, education, and support services. You'll work with a team of healthcare providers to increase your strength and endurance, learn breathing techniques, and acquire other skills to manage the disease. Home Remedies These home remedies, in addition to medical treatments, can alleviate bronchitis symptoms: Drink warm water with honey and lemon: Don't give honey to children younger than 1 due to the risk of botulism, a rare type of poisoning. Get plenty of rest: Sleep helps your body replenish its energy to fight off a bacterial or viral infection. Getting plenty of rest also supports immune function. Stay hydrated: This thins out your mucus so it's easy to expel. Suck on a lozenge: These hard candies can soothe a sore throat. Try pursed-lipped breathing: This technique helps control shortness of breath. Breathe in through the nose for two seconds, pucker your lips, and then blow out very slowly. Repeat as needed. Use a humidifier: You can also inhale steam from a bath or shower. These methods loosen mucus and ease wheezing. Both can also ease a child's congestion under a parent's supervision. You might prevent bronchitis by protecting yourself from germs and irritants that affect the airways and lungs. Prevention measures include: Avoid smoking and smoke-filled environments. Get COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia vaccines, which help protect you from viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis. Regularly wash your hands. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you are exposed to air pollution, fumes, smoke, and other irritants. Some people, such as infants, young children, and older adults, are likelier to develop complications from acute bronchitis than others. Complications include pneumonia, respiratory distress, and missed days from school or work. People with chronic bronchitis have a high risk of complications, including worsening lung function and trouble breathing. Chronic bronchitis might damage the mucus lining of the bronchial tubes, worsening a cough. This irritation may lead to inflammation and excess mucus production that clogs the airways. Chronic bronchitis also raises your risk of coronary artery disease. Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs, or the bronchial tubes. This inflammation may be acute or chronic. Contagious viruses typically cause acute bronchitis. Smoking and exposure to environmental irritations are some of the most common causes of chronic bronchitis. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop bronchitis symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent complications, such as pneumonia. You can treat bronchitis with medications, therapies, and home remedies, depending on what type you have and the cause.Thanks for your feedback!
Signs And Symptoms Of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of your large airways, called bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. Irritated and inflamed airways become swollen and narrow, making it harder for air to pass through and causing shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a cough that produces mucus.
There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis develops suddenly, usually due to a viral or bacterial respiratory infection, and lasts for a few days or weeks. Chronic bronchitis is long-lasting and develops gradually after long-term exposure to lung irritants such as cigarette smoke or chemical fumes. People with chronic bronchitis often have periods when their symptoms worsen, called flare-ups.
Acute and chronic bronchitis share many symptoms because they are both associated with inflamed, narrowed airways and increased mucus production, making it harder for air to reach your lungs. Common symptoms of bronchitis include: Cough with mucus: A mucus may be clear, yellow, or green Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling or hissing sound when breathing, which is caused by narrowed airways Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity Chest discomfort: A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest Fatigue: Tiredness and a lack of energy Acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually caused by viral infections such as the common cold or influenza (the flu). More rarely, bacterial infections or exposure to irritants, such as smoke or dust, can lead to acute bronchitis. Symptoms of acute bronchitis develop suddenly, often alongside or shortly after a respiratory infection (e.G., common cold), and improve within a week or two. Some people may have a lingering cough for up to four weeks. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include: Cough, which is initially productive (producing mucus) and may become dry over time Runny or stuffy nose, which develops before chest congestion Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing Shortness of breath, which worsens with physical activity Chest tightness Low-grade fever Fatigue Chest pain or sore ribs from coughing Rarely, acute bronchitis may cause symptoms such as a cough with bloody mucus or a high fever (more than 100.4 °F). These symptoms warrant a visit to your healthcare provider for treatment. Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, lasting at least three months. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—a group of progressive lung diseases that cause breathing problems. Chronic bronchitis develops due to long-term exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemical dust and fumes, and air pollution. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis develop gradually over time. Long-term airway inflammation causes mucus to build in the airways, causing a chronic cough and breathing difficulties. People with chronic bronchitis often have flare-ups, which are periods when symptoms worsen. As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe and frequent. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include: Chronic cough that produces mucus Wheezing Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or daily activities Chest tightness Fatigue Difficulty breathing Feeling like you can't take a deep breath Frequent respiratory infections People with chronic bronchitis often experience frequent respiratory infections, which can worsen symptoms. Severe chronic bronchitis can cause additional symptoms, such as: Weight loss Muscle weakness Loss of appetite Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet Children with viral or bacterial upper respiratory infections can develop acute bronchitis. For most children with bronchitis, the condition is acute (temporary). Children rarely develop chronic bronchitis, though there is an increased risk for children with asthma, allergies, or regular exposure to secondhand smoke. Symptoms of bronchitis in children are similar to symptoms in adults, though there are a few differences. Common bronchitis symptoms in children include: Persistent cough, which may start dry and progress to a productive cough with mucus Low-grade fever Headache Chills Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Chest congestion Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing Irritability or fussiness Difficulty sleeping Lack of energy (fatigue) Contact your healthcare provider if your cough does not go away within 2 to 3 weeks or you experience worsening symptoms, such as significant shortness of breath or chest pain. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: Coughing up blood or bloody mucus Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles Rapid breathing (in infants and young children) Bluish lips or skin Severe chest pain Bronchitis is when the bronchial tubes—the main airways of the lungs—become inflamed, irritated, and narrowed, leading to symptoms such as coughing with mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort, and fatigue. Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Symptoms of acute bronchitis develop quickly alongside or shortly after a viral or bacterial respiratory infection, and most people improve within a week or two. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis last three months or longer and occasionally worsen (called a flare-up). If you have ongoing or worsening symptoms of bronchitis, see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan.Thanks for your feedback!
How To Identify Bronchitis Symptoms And Get Treatment
Symptoms of bronchitis include a cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Treatment includes rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
People with bronchitis have swelling and inflammation in their bronchial tubes, the air passages that link the mouth and nose with the lungs. They may have trouble clearing heavy mucus or phlegm from their airways.
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis usually clears up, but chronic bronchitis is persistent and never completely goes away. Quitting or avoiding smoking can help prevent bronchitis.
This article looks at the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of bronchitis.
Signs and symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include:
A person with bronchitis may have a cough that lasts for several weeks or even a few months if the bronchial tubes take a long time to heal fully.
The symptoms of chronic bronchitis can flare up regularly. For many people, this happens during the winter months.
However, bronchitis is not the only condition that causes a cough. A cough that refuses to go away may be a sign of asthma, pneumonia, or many other conditions. Anyone with a persistent cough should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a condition that affects the bronchial tubes in the lungs. They may become inflamed, resulting in symptoms such as coughing and mucus production.
It affects the body by narrowing the airways due to swelling, meaning less air can pass through.
What are the types of bronchitis?
Types of bronchitis include:
Who does bronchitis affect?
Acute bronchitis can affect anyone of any age, but it is most common in children under the age of five.
Most people with bronchitis can recover at home with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and plenty of fluids.
Anyone with an existing lung or heart condition should see a doctor if they start to have symptoms of bronchitis.
Bronchitis happens when a virus, bacteria, or irritant particles trigger an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Smoking is a key risk factor, but nonsmokers can also develop bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis
People have a higher risk of developing acute bronchitis if they:
Ways to avoid infection include regular washing of the hands and avoiding smoke and other particles.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis results from repeated irritation and damage to the lung and airway tissues. The most common cause is smoking, but not everyone with bronchitis is a smoker.
Other possible causes include:
People with asthma or allergies have a higher risk of both types of the disease. The best way to avoid chronic bronchitis is to avoid smoking.
Is bronchitis contagious?
If bronchitis is due to a viral or bacterial infection, it is possible to transmit the infection to another person through droplets when coughing.
To reduce the risk of passing on an infection, a person should:
Is bronchitis a side effect of COVID-19?
A doctor will carry out a physical examination, using a stethoscope to listen for unusual sounds in the lungs.
They may also ask an individual about:
Antibiotics will not help acute bronchitis, so doctors tend to avoid prescribing them. A doctor may advise a person with bronchitis to:
Natural treatments to feel better
What medications treat bronchitis?
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as ibuprofen will help relieve a cough and ease any accompanying pain. In time, acute bronchitis will go away, often without treatment.
The symptoms of chronic bronchitis may resolve or improve for a while. However, they will come back or become worse again, especially if there is exposure to smoke or other triggers.
If acute bronchitis results from a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Taking antibiotics may also help prevent a secondary infection in some cases.
These medications are not suitable for a person with a virus, however.
Most doctors will not prescribe antibiotics unless they have identified bacteria as the cause of an illness. One of the reasons for this is concern about antibiotic resistance, as overuse of antibiotics makes it harder to treat an infection in the long term.
The most common complication of bronchitis is pneumonia. This can happen if the infection spreads further into the lungs. In a person with pneumonia, the air sacs within the lungs fill with fluid.
Pneumonia is more likely to develop in older adults, smokers, those with other medical conditions, and anyone with a weakened immune system. It can be life threatening and needs medical attention.
It is not always possible to prevent acute or chronic bronchitis, but several things can reduce the risk.
Below are some commonly asked questions about bronchitis.
How contagious is bronchitis?
Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute bronchitis, which is very common, usually results from an infection and may be contagious. However, this is not the case for chronic bronchitis.
Can bronchitis go away on its own?
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own. The infection simply has to run its course over several weeks. However, symptoms of chronic bronchitis never completely go away and lead to long-term breathing difficulties.
How serious is bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is not a serious illness and usually resolves itself in a week or two. Meanwhile, chronic bronchitis is a more serious, lifelong, incurable condition, and symptoms never completely go away.
Can you prevent bronchitis?
A person can prevent bronchitis by keeping themselves clean and healthy, including washing hands and avoiding smoking.
Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia?
Bronchitis links with other lung conditions, such as pneumonia. It is important to treat bronchitis early on.
Can I use cough medicine with bronchitis?
A person should avoid cough medicine for bronchitis unless in the case of a severe cough. This is because cough medicines do not treat the inflamed mucus membranes of the lungs but aim to suppress the cough instead.
Acute bronchitis is a common condition. It can be uncomfortable, but it will usually resolve on its own within a few days.
Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing condition. If a person smokes and continues to smoke, they may develop worsening symptoms, emphysema, and COPD. All these conditions can be life threatening.
Anyone who has concerns about the possible symptoms of bronchitis should see a doctor.
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