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Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when the airways in your lungs, called bronchial tubes, get inflamed. It usually causes a cough, along with mucus, and can make it hard to breathe. It can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), and most cases get better with proper care.

About Bronchitis

Your bronchial tubes carry air to and from your lungs. When they become inflamed, usually from an infection or irritation, it's called bronchitis. This causes swelling and extra mucus, which leads to coughing and sometimes trouble breathing.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and clears up on its own within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis lasts longer, often comes back, and is usually linked to smoking or long-term exposure to lung irritants.

Symptoms

Key Signs and Symptoms

Bronchitis symptoms can vary depending on whether it's acute or chronic. Common symptoms include:

  • A persistent cough, with or without mucus
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest discomfort or tightness
  • Mild fever and chills
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat

Early vs Advanced Symptoms

Early Symptoms

  • A dry cough that gradually brings up mucus
  • Mild fatigue
  • A scratchy throat
  • Often mistaken for a common cold

Advanced Symptoms

  • A cough that lasts several weeks
  • Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
  • Shortness of breath, even with light activity
  • Chest tightness that doesn't go away
  • Frequent flare-ups, especially in chronic bronchitis

Causes

Common Causes

  • Viral infections (the most common cause of acute bronchitis)
  • Bacterial infections, less commonly
  • Smoking, the leading cause of chronic bronchitis
  • Exposure to air pollution, dust, or chemical fumes
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Acid reflux, in some cases

Risk Factors

  • Smoking or being around secondhand smoke
  • Working around dust, fumes, or chemicals
  • Weakened immune system
  • Older age
  • Having asthma or other lung conditions
  • Frequent exposure to people who are sick

Diagnosis

How the Condition Is Identified

Your doctor will usually ask about your symptoms and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. If your cough lasts a long time or your doctor suspects something else, further tests may be needed.

Tests or Screenings Involved

  • Chest X-ray, to rule out pneumonia or other conditions
  • Pulmonary Function Test, to check how well your lungs are working
  • Sputum Test, to check for infection
  • Blood Test, if needed

Treatment

Available Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether your bronchitis is acute or chronic, and what's causing it. Most cases of acute bronchitis just need rest and time.

Medications

  • Cough medicine, to ease coughing
  • Bronchodilators, to open up the airways
  • Antibiotics, only if a bacterial infection is confirmed
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines for chronic bronchitis

Procedures or Therapies

  • Rest and plenty of fluids
  • Using a humidifier to ease breathing
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic bronchitis
  • Quitting smoking, if you smoke
  • Oxygen therapy, in more severe chronic cases

Prevention

Lifestyle Changes

  • Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Wash your hands often to avoid infections
  • Wear a mask if you're around dust, fumes, or chemicals
  • Get your flu shot every year
  • Stay hydrated

Preventive Measures

  • Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections
  • Manage any existing lung conditions like asthma
  • Get vaccinated as recommended by your doctor
  • Attend regular check-ups if you have chronic bronchitis

When to See a Doctor

Warning Signs

You should see a doctor if you:

  • Have a cough that lasts more than three weeks
  • Are coughing up thick, discolored mucus
  • Have a mild fever that doesn't go away
  • Feel unusually tired or short of breath

When Immediate Care Is Needed

You should seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Have difficulty breathing
  • Have chest pain
  • Are coughing up blood
  • Have a high fever that doesn't come down
  • Have bluish lips or face

Related Conditions

You might also want to learn about:

  • Pneumonia
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Common Cold
  • Sinusitis
  • Emphysema
  • Allergic Rhinitis

FAQs

You might notice a dry cough that slowly turns into a cough with mucus, along with mild fatigue and a scratchy throat. It's easy to mistake for a common cold at first.