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Bronchitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the bronchial tube lining, which transports air to and from the lungs. The trachea and bronchi airways become inflamed and clogged with mucus. As the body tries to remove the mucus, a persistent cough develops. Bronchitis patients frequently cough up thick mucus that might be coloured.
It can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is a common condition that frequently results from a cold or other respiratory illness. Chronic bronchitis, a more severe condition, is characterised by persistent irritation or inflammation of the bronchial tube lining, which is often caused by smoking.
There are two types of bronchitis, depending on the severity of the condition, they are:
It is also known as a chest cold and typically goes away without leaving any residual symptoms, but the cough may remain for weeks. Most patients with acute bronchitis don't require treatment.
If a person coughs up mucus regularly for three months out of the year, they likely have chronic bronchitis. For at least two years, this continues. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic bronchitis reappears and can last for two years.
Signs and symptoms of acute or chronic bronchitis include:
The causes of acute and chronic bronchitis are as follows:
In the initial few days of infection, it can be difficult to tell the difference between bronchitis and a regular cold. The doctor will perform a physical exam and can recommend a few tests.
The doctor may recommend the following tests:
Antibiotics are ineffective for treating bronchitis as viral infections are the primary cause of the condition. However, the doctor could recommend an antibiotic if they think patients have bacterial illnesses.
In some cases, the doctor may suggest additional drugs and other forms of treatment, such as:
Several factors increase the risk of bronchitis. They include:
Bronchitis can be avoided and prevented by taking a few precautionary measures, such as:
Acute bronchitis can be easily treated and doesn't cause complications. The symptoms are for a few weeks, which can be painful. If a patient has a heart problem or any respiratory condition, such as asthma, it may worsen or prolong the symptoms.
Chronic bronchitis is a dangerous illness that can lead to lung damage. Although the damage cannot be reversed, the doctor can help to control the symptoms.
Reviewed by Dr. Prashant Saxena, Director & HOD (Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine) & Associate Director (Critical Care), Pulmonology on 23-Jan-2023.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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