Bronchitis

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, or the airways of the lungs. There are 2 types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is called "chest cold" as well. The infection lasts for up to 10 days, however, the cold can last up to 3 weeks, and symptoms can last for 6 weeks. Chronic bronchitis is a cough that produces mucus for up to more than 3 months in a year. With chronic bronchitis and decreased airflow, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can easily happen. Bronchitis is not bronchiolitis. Bronchitis affects the big airways, the bronchi, while bronchiolitis affects the bronchioles, which are smaller airways in the lungs.




Causes of Acute Bronchitis:
- Viral infection (90% chance) (can be caused by the flu/cold causing viruses)
- Smoking
- Fumes
- Dust in air
- Pollution in air

Causes of Chronic Bronchitis:
- repeated causes of acute bronchitis
- mostly smoking or pollution

Symptoms:
- Coughing
- Mucus
- Tiredness
- Shortness of Breath
- Fever
- Discomfort in the chest/lungs

Diagnosis needed:
- Chest X-Ray
- CT/computed tomography scan
- Measuring air your lungs can hold (Pulmonary function tests)


Treating acute bronchitis:
- Drink more warm fluids (except caffeine or alcohol)
- Rest/Sleep more
- Painkillers (Eg. Ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
- The body will take care of it

Treating chronic bronchitis:
- Steroids (anti-inflammations)
- Meds
- Antibiotics
- Vaccines to prevent secondary infections
- Bronchodilators (airway opening)
- Oxygen therapy (severe)
- Surgery (severe)
- Exercise



Prevention:
- DON'T SMOKE
- Exercise more
- Vaccinate
- Stay away from sick people and avoid touching your face
- Stay away from polluted air or dust as much as possible
- Wear a dust mask in heavily polluted areas