Overview
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs. There are two main types:
- Acute bronchitis: Usually caused by viral infections, resolves within a few weeks
- Chronic bronchitis: Long-term mucus production and cough; part of COPD
Acute bronchitis is very common; it can affect anyone of any age, especially in winter. Chronic bronchitis is more common in smokers.
Symptoms
- Cough (most prominent symptom)
- Clear, white, yellow, or green sputum
- Mild fever, chills
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Fatigue, weakness
- Mild shortness of breath
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion (in accompanying cold)
Cough can persist for weeks after acute bronchitis.
In chronic bronchitis:
- Cough lasting at least 3 months
- This cough recurring for 2 consecutive years
- Plenty of sputum
- Progressive shortness of breath
Causes
Acute bronchitis:
- Viruses (90% - cold, flu)
- Bacteria (rare)
- Irritants (smoke, chemicals, dust)
Chronic bronchitis:
- Smoking (most important cause)
- Secondhand smoke
- Air pollution
- Occupational exposure (coal, grain dust, chemicals)
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Weakened immunity (especially elderly, infants)
- Chronic lung disease (asthma, COPD)
- Reflux disease
- Occupational exposure
- Living in highly polluted areas
- Cold weather
- Poor hygiene
Complications
- Pneumonia
- Recurrent bronchitis
- Progression to chronic bronchitis
- Asthma attack
- COPD development
When to See a Doctor
- If cough lasts more than 3 weeks
- Fever above 38 °C
- Bloody sputum
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequently recurring bronchitis attacks
- Disrupted sleep
- Worsening symptoms
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
- Clinical examination (lung sounds)
- Chest X-ray (to rule out pneumonia)
- Sputum test
- Pulmonary function test (for chronic bronchitis)
- Blood tests
Treatment:
Acute bronchitis:
- Antibiotics are not needed in most cases (viral)
- Rest
- Plenty of fluids
- Steam inhalation, humidifier use
- Salt water gargle
- Pain reliever, fever reducer (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Cough syrup (if needed)
- Bronchodilator inhaler (if wheezing)
- Honey (for cough, over 1 year old)
Chronic bronchitis:
- Smoking cessation (most important step)
- Bronchodilators (short- and long-acting)
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Oxygen therapy (if needed)
- Antibiotics during exacerbations
- Vaccinations (flu, pneumococcal)
Prevention
- Quit smoking (most important step)
- Avoid secondhand smoke
- Pay attention to hand hygiene
- Protect yourself from colds and flu
- Get annual flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine
- Wear a mask in polluted areas
- Avoid sick people
- Eat healthily; maintain strong immunity
- Use protective equipment for occupational exposure
- Use humidifier in dry weather