Bronchitis typically develops from an infection that causes the bronchi to overproduce mucus. These infections can typically be viral but at times bacterial. To move the excessive mucus, the body responds by coughing. Bronchitis can be acute, where the symptoms are temporary and last up to three weeks, or chronic, where symptoms last several months and are usually reoccurring.
How serious bronchitis ultimately is, depends on the type the patient has. To better understand the severity of bronchitis, we will evaluate the characteristics of both acute and chronic infection.
Your Heritage medical provider can evaluate you, to determine what treatments are necessary for your condition. The main difference between acute and chronic bronchitis is the duration, severity, and reoccurrence of symptoms the patient experiences.
Acute bronchitis, which usually develops shortly after a cold, is identified as lasting only a week or two with a cough that could linger for weeks after infection is gone.
The infection generally clears up on its own without the need for medical treatment. Typical symptoms of bronchitis are temporary and short-lived, thus typically no long-term or permanent damage is associated with acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is not reversible. The goal of treatment is to improve quality of life and prevent complications. Therapy is targeted at opening your airways and reducing swelling to make breathing easier and slow down the progression of the disease.
Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids are the types of drugs most often used to manage chronic bronchitis. Bronchodilators open up your airways to allow more air to pass through. Corticosteroids reduce airway swelling. These medications require a prescription and need to be monitored so you are receive the best dose with the fewest side effects.
In severe cases, treatment with additional oxygen or even surgery may be required. At worst, a complete lung transplant may be necessary. Both acute and chronic bronchitis must be taken seriously. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Prescott is senior vice president of clinical and scientific affairs for Pharmacy Times. November 13, According to the NCCIH however, there are not yet good-quality studies to definitely back up these assertions. According to Stanford Children's Health, symptoms of acute bronchitis in children are nearly identical to those in adults: 36 Runny nose Cough Complaints of discomfort or not feeling well Chills Slight fever Body aches Chest congestion and discomfort Wheezing Sore throat Most cases of acute bronchitis in children go away on their own and do not require medications.
Here are some good habits you can follow to stay healthy and prevent getting an infection: 2,8, 38 Wash your hands regularly. Avoid being in close contact with too many people. Cover your cough so you don't infect others. Wear a face mask or cloth covering your nose and mouth. Get a flu shot every year. Steer clear of things that can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs, such as dust, mold, pet dander, and fumes from chemicals such as cleaning products, paint, or varnish ; if you must use these products, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep to help keep your immune system stay strong. Is It Bronchitis or Something Else?
Bronchitis is frequently mistaken for something else because it shares symptoms with conditions like the common cold, asthma, and pneumonia. Do you know how to spot, avoid, and manage it? Reviewed: November 9, Any upper respiratory infection can lead to bronchitis, but some common viruses and the illness they cause associated with bronchitis are: 4,19 Influenza A and B flu Rhinovirus common cold Enterovirus similar to the common cold Respiratory syncytial virus RSV, RSV infection SARS-CoV-2 the novel coronavirus that causes COVID and other coronaviruses, per the American Lung Association 41 While viruses account for the majority of acute bronchitis infections, some bacterial infections can also be a cause.
If your cough persists for longer than three weeks, your doctor may need to evaluate you to rule out these possible conditions: 4 Asthma as many as one-third of patients who have asthma are misdiagnosed as having acute bronchitis Acute or chronic sinusitis Bronchiolitis COPD Sore throat caused by a virus Heart failure Though not common, in some people, the cause of persistent coughing can actually be heart failure, not a respiratory problem.
Pulmonary embolism Pneumonia. American Academy of Family Physicians AAFP This informative overview of bronchitis from AAFP offers a comprehensive summary of the basic aspects of this condition, from symptoms of acute bronchitis to prevention and treatment. Cedars-Sinai What is bronchitis and what can you expect if you have this lung condition? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention This information page on bronchitis offers insights about bronchitis, such as when to seek medical help and home remedies that may ease symptoms.
Chest Foundation This detailed resource from the American College of Chest Physicians breaks down important info you need about bronchitis such as how it affects the body, how doctors diagnose and treat the condition, and what resources are available for those seeking more information and support. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Acute Bronchitis. January 11, August 12, June 24, Chronic Bronchitis.
American Lung Association. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Learn About Acute Bronchitis. March 17, Bronchitis Overview. April 11, Bronchitis — Acute. Mount Sinai. Think It Might Be Bronchitis? When to See a Doctor.
December 27, Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis. Acute Bronchitis: Is It Contagious? May 16, How Flu Spreads. August 27, National Health Service. July 31, Bronchitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed? What Is Pneumonia? May 27, Kinkade S, Long NA. American Family Physician. October 1, How Is Bronchitis Treated? Acute Bronchitis: Overview. Informed Health Online. September 7, March 15, Ebell MH, Radke T.
American Journal of Managed Care. October National Library of Medicine. January 2, Alternative Medicine Review. April Horvath G, Acs K. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. May 26, Earl E. Barrett B.
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