Bronchitis

Overview

Bronchitis is a condition caused by inflamed air passages leading to the lungs. It can be chronic or acute, and it affects nasal passages, sinuses and bronchial tubes, which transport air to and from the lungs. It is one of many conditions and diseases that affect the lungs.

Types

The two most common types of bronchitis are acute and chronic bronchitis. The difference between acute and chronic bronchitis is that the second type lasts much longer. For many sufferers, acute bronchitis can clear up in a few days, though chronic bronchitis may last off and on for a period of one to two months, or for years. A cough that just won't go away produces phlegm on a daily basis.

• Acute bronchitis is an infection or inflammation of the bronchial passage linings, which are the tubes that provide air to the lungs. Bronchitis makes people cough, but it is not a lung infection, like pneumonia. However, if bronchitis is not treated, it can lead to pneumonia. Acute bronchitis usually begins with an upper respiratory infection that involves the nose, sinuses or throat. It is most commonly caused by a bacterial virus. Children, elderly people and smokers, as well as those who smoke or are suffering from heart or lung disease, are more likely to develop bronchitis.

• Chronic bronchitis is known as chronic obstructive lung disease. With this stage of bronchitis, airway passages suffer from long-term and progressive obstruction caused by inflammation that hinders flow into and out of the lungs. While acute bronchitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, chronic bronchitis is almost always caused by smoking or prolonged exposure to pollution, as well as large amount of grains or dust. Millions of people around the world suffer from chronic bronchitis. However, long-term smoking usually causes this type of bronchitis. Smokers are ten times more likely to develop chronic bronchitis or emphysema than those who do not.

Symptoms

Though a cough is a common symptom of both acute and chronic bronchitis, other than that the symptoms for both the types are markedly different. They have been listed below for your reference.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis are:

• Cough, Either Dry or Producing Phlegm (if the phlegm is yellow-green, you may be suffering from a bacterial infection)
• Fatigue
• Sore Throat
• Wheezing
• Low Grade Fever
• Discomfort in the Chest or Shortness of Breath

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis can include, but are not limited to:

• Coughing up Phlegm
• Breathlessness
• Blue-Tinged Lips
• Swelling in Feet, Ankles and Legs

Causes/Risk Factors

As already mentioned, the causes for acute and chronic bronchitis are different. A bacterial infection is the main cause of acute bronchitis, whereas smokers are most likely to develop chronic bronchitis. You may also be at a risk of developing chronic bronchitis if you happen to be exposed to pollution and dust on a regular basis for a prolonged period of time. The main causes of bronchitis are listed below:

• Smoking
• Exposure to High Levels of Second-hand Smoke
• Working in a Stuffy Atmosphere
• Use of Drugs
• Weather Changes, Such as too Much pollution, Fog or Dusty Air
• High Dose of Medicines
• Improper Diet
• Unrest
• Stress

Tests/Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose bronchitis generally on the basis of symptoms and a physical examination.

• Usually no blood tests are necessary.

• If the doctor suspects the patient has pneumonia, a chest x-ray can be taken.

Treatment

In many cases, mild attacks of bronchitis go away by themselves, though a dry cough may last for weeks afterwards, because it takes time for the irritated linings of the airways to heal. Be advised however, that if left untreated, chronic bronchitis may develop into pneumonia or other serious medical conditions. If you believe you are suffering from any type of bronchitis, visit your doctor as soon as possible to avoid more severe lung conditions.