Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes – the airways leading to the lungs. The condition could be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting).

Acute bronchitis usually occurs due to viral infections while chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by long-term damage to the airways.

What are the Symptoms of Bronchitis?

The common symptoms associated with bronchitis include:.

Cough that may produce mucus
Sore throat
Chest discomfort or pain
Breathlessness or wheezing
Fatigue or weakness
Fever (in cases of acute bronchitis)

It is possible for the symptoms to linger for several weeks, even after the infection has cleared.

What Causes Bronchitis?

Bronchitis can be caused by a number of factors. The most common causes include:.

Viral infections – most cases of acute bronchitis occur due to viral infections such as colds and flu.
Bacterial infections – while less common, bacterial infections can also cause bronchitis.
Environmental irritants such as air pollution, smoke, and allergens can also trigger bronchitis.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – long-term smoking, exposure to lung irritants, and other factors could cause COPD, of which chronic bronchitis is a type.

How is Bronchitis Diagnosed?

If you have symptoms associated with bronchitis, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.

Your doctor will examine you, listen to your breathing with a stethoscope, and may order a pulmonary function test to measure your lung function and rule out other potential causes.

What are the Treatments for Bronchitis?

The treatment for bronchitis usually depends on the type you have and the severity of your symptoms. Briefly, the following are the most common courses of action:.

Self-care: For mild cases of acute bronchitis, self-care measures such as adequate rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve symptoms. Avoid smoking and exposure to lung irritants such as air pollution and chemical sprays.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are usually prescribed only for bacterial bronchitis and are not effective against viral bronchitis. Overuse of antibiotics could lead to an antibiotic resistance, so be mindful of this when considering taking antibiotics
Inhalers or nebulizers: Inhaled medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids are often prescribed to relieve bronchitis-related breathing difficulties.
Oxygen therapy: If your blood oxygen levels are low, your doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy to help you breathe better.

How Can Bronchitis be Prevented?

While not all cases of bronchitis can be prevented, following these tips could reduce your risk:.

Stay away from people who have colds and flu or have respiratory infections.
Avoid smoking tobacco or exposure to secondhand smoke..
Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face to prevent infections.
Avoid exposure to air pollution, chemicals or other lung irritants.
Get the flu vaccine annually

Conclusion

Bronchitis is a common respiratory illness that can be caused by various factors. While it could be serious, especially in older people and those with lung or heart conditions, most cases are mild and resolve within a few weeks.

If you become sick with bronchitis, proper treatment and care could significantly relieve your symptoms and help you recover faster.