Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. There are two main types: acute bronchitis, which is temporary and usually caused by a viral infection, and chronic bronchitis, which is a long-term condition often related to smoking.

Acute bronchitis is very common and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis is part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and requires ongoing management. Understanding the difference and knowing when to seek care is important.

Acute Bronchitis Symptoms:

• Cough: Often with mucus (clear, white, yellow, or green)
• Chest discomfort: Feeling of tightness or soreness
• Fatigue: Feeling tired
• Shortness of breath: Mild, usually with exertion
• Slight fever and chills: May occur
• Body aches: Mild aches

Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms:

• Persistent cough: Daily cough with mucus
• Shortness of breath: Especially with activity
• Wheezing: Whistling sound when breathing
• Chest tightness: Feeling of pressure
• Frequent respiratory infections: More prone to infections

Symptoms usually last:

• Acute: 1-3 weeks (cough may last longer)
• Chronic: Ongoing, with flare-ups

Seek emergency care if:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• High fever (above 102°F or 38.9°C)
• Coughing up blood
• Blue or gray lips or fingernails
• Confusion or drowsiness

For acute bronchitis:

1. Rest:

   • Get plenty of rest
   • Allow body to fight infection
   • Don't overexert

2. Stay Hydrated:

   • Drink plenty of fluids
   • Warm liquids can be soothing
   • Helps thin mucus
   • Water, tea, broth

3. Humidify Air:

   • Use humidifier
   • Steam from shower
   • Moist air soothes airways
   • Especially helpful at night

4. Over-the-Counter Medications (if appropriate):

   • Cough suppressants (for dry, hacking cough)
   • Expectorants (for productive cough)
   • Pain relievers (for body aches, fever)
   • Follow instructions
   • Don't give to young children without doctor approval

5. Avoid Irritants:

   • Don't smoke
   • Avoid secondhand smoke
   • Avoid other irritants (dust, fumes)
   • Stay away from pollutants

6. Honey (for adults and children over 1 year):

   • Can help soothe cough
   • Small amount before bed
   • Don't give to children under 1 year

7. Time:

   • Most acute bronchitis resolves on its own
   • Cough may last 2-3 weeks
   • Be patient

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• High fever
• Coughing up blood
• Blue or gray lips or fingernails
• Severe symptoms

• Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Cough with fever
• Cough with chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood (any amount)
• Symptoms not improving
• Recurrent bronchitis
• Questions about treatment

• Mild symptoms
• Improving over time
• No other concerning symptoms
• Short duration
• No difficulty breathing

Diagnosing bronchitis may involve:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam:

   • Symptom description
   • Listen to lungs
   • Check for signs of infection
   • Assess breathing

2. Chest X-ray (if pneumonia suspected):

   • Rules out pneumonia
   • Shows lung structure
   • Usually not needed for simple bronchitis

3. Sputum Test (if bacterial infection suspected):

   • Test mucus for bacteria
   • Determines if antibiotics needed
   • Usually not needed for acute bronchitis

4. Pulmonary Function Tests (for chronic bronchitis):

   • Measures lung function
   • Assesses severity
   • Monitors over time

5. Other Tests (if needed):

   • Blood tests
   • Pulse oximetry (oxygen levels)
   • Other tests as indicated

Acute Bronchitis:

• Usually no antibiotics: Most cases are viral
• Supportive care: Rest, fluids, symptom relief
• Cough medications: If needed
• Pain relievers: For aches and fever
• Usually resolves: Within 1-3 weeks

Chronic Bronchitis:

• Quit smoking: Most important
• Bronchodilators: Open airways
• Inhaled steroids: Reduce inflammation
• Oxygen therapy: If needed
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Exercise program
• Treat infections: Promptly

General Approaches:

• Rest and fluids
• Symptom management
• Avoid irritants
• Treat underlying causes
• Prevent complications

Prevent bronchitis by:

• Don't Smoke: Most important for chronic bronchitis
• Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Can cause bronchitis
• Wash Hands: Frequently, especially during cold season
• Avoid Sick People: When possible
• Get Vaccinated: Flu and pneumonia vaccines
• Avoid Irritants: Dust, fumes, chemicals
• Stay Healthy: Good nutrition, exercise, sleep

In bronchitis:

1. Inflammation: Bronchial tubes become inflamed
2. Swelling: Airways swell
3. Mucus Production: Increased mucus
4. Airway Narrowing: Less air can pass through
5. Symptoms Develop: Cough, shortness of breath, etc.

Causes:

• Acute: Usually viruses (same as colds)
• Chronic: Usually smoking, long-term irritation
• Other: Bacteria (less common), irritants, pollution

• Usually acute, viral
• May have more severe symptoms
• Watch for breathing difficulties
• May need different approach
• Don't give cough medicine to young children

• Higher risk of complications
• May take longer to recover
• May need more aggressive treatment
• Higher risk of pneumonia
• Monitor closely

• Higher risk of chronic bronchitis
• Quitting is most important treatment
• May have more severe symptoms
• Higher risk of complications

Acute bronchitis caused by viruses is contagious, similar to a cold. Chronic bronchitis is not contagious, but the underlying condition needs treatment.

Most acute bronchitis is viral and doesn't need antibiotics. Antibiotics are only needed if there's a bacterial infection, which is less common.

Acute bronchitis usually lasts 1-3 weeks, though the cough may persist longer. Chronic bronchitis is ongoing and requires long-term management.

You can reduce risk by not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, washing hands, getting vaccinated, and avoiding irritants. However, some cases cannot be prevented.

Bronchitis affects the airways (bronchial tubes), while pneumonia affects the air sacs in the lungs. Pneumonia is usually more serious and may require different treatment.