Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi. When the cells of the bronchial-lining tissue are irritated beyond a certain point, the tiny hair cells cilia which normally trap and eliminate pollutants, stop functioning.
In response, a heavy secretion of mucus develops, which causes the characteristic cough of bronchitis. The inflammation may be caused by viruses, bacteria, smoking or inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust.
Infections causing acute bronchitis typically begin with the symptoms of a common cold: runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. In addition, in people with COVID, fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and loss of smell and taste are more common.
After several days, cough begins usually dry at first. People may cough up small amounts of thin, white mucus. This mucus often changes from white to green or yellow and becomes thicker. Occasionally, the sputum contains a small amount of blood. Neither the color change nor the presence of blood indicates there is a bacterial infection.
Color change means only that cells associated with inflammation have moved into the airway and are coloring the sputum. People do not usually have a high fever or chills unless the bronchitis was caused by a more serious infection such as influenza Influenza Flu Influenza flu is a viral infection of the lungs and airways with one of the influenza viruses.
Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that occur in response to specific triggers are Acute bronchitis itself does not cause serious complications. However, some infections that cause bronchitis such as influenza Influenza Flu Influenza flu is a viral infection of the lungs and airways with one of the influenza viruses. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Often, pneumonia is the final Such invaders include Microorganisms commonly called germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi Parasites Doctors usually make a diagnosis of acute bronchitis based on the symptoms.
Overview Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Acute bronchitis: Is it contagious? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references What is bronchitis? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Jan. Goldman L, et al. Acute bronchitis and tracheitis. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa. Bronchitis chest cold. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ferri FF. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor How is acute bronchitis treated? Treatment is aimed at treating the symptoms, and may include: Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke Cough medicine Humidifying the air Increased fluid intake Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen Tylenol Quitting smoking Avoid antihistamines because they dry up the secretions and can make the cough worse.
What are the complications of acute bronchitis? Can bronchitis be prevented? Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. However, children younger than age 2, adults ages 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, and smokers are at the highest risk. When should I call my health care provider? Key points Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. There are several different types of bronchitis.
The two most common are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu.
It may also be caused by a bacterial infection, or by physical or chemical agents that are breathed into the lungs. The most common symptoms for acute bronchitis include cough, chest soreness, runny nose, feeling tired and achy, headache, chills, slight fever, and sore throat. Blood tests, breathing tests, and imaging tests may also be used. If it progresses to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary.
Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.
Also write down any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you. If you have acute bronchitis, your cough may last for several weeks after other symptoms have gone. Some people may have shortness of breath or wheezing as a result of inflamed airways. If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, it could be COVID Most cases of acute bronchitis can be easily treated at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs and plenty of fluids.
A GP may need to rule out other lung infections, such as pneumonia, which has symptoms similar to those of bronchitis. If they think you may have pneumonia, you'll probably need a chest X-ray and a sample of mucus may be taken for testing. If a GP thinks you might have an underlying condition, they may also suggest that you have a lung function test.
You'll be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a device called a spirometer , which measures the volume of air in your lungs. The virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets typically spread about 1m. They hang suspended in the air for a while, then land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours. Bronchitis can also be triggered by breathing in irritant substances, such as smog, chemicals in household products or tobacco smoke.
Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. It can affect people who inhale secondhand smoke, as well as those who smoke themselves.
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