Bronchitis - Types, Causes, Symptoms,Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention

What Is Bronchitis?

In humans, air reaches the lungs through the windpipe. This windpipe further divides into a bronchus and the bronchus into bronchioles. The inhaled air reaches bronchioles through bronchus. In bronchitis, there will be inflammation and swelling of the bronchus. If there is an inflammation in the bronchioles, the condition is referred to as bronchiolitis. Bronchitis will produce a cough that may be accompanied by sputum.

What Are the Types of Bronchitis?

There are two types of bronchitis. Acute and chronic bronchitis are the two types. In acute conditions, bronchitis occurs at a sudden onset. This is the most common one. In chronic conditions, the symptoms might be existing for a longer duration. This is more serious. Chronic bronchitis may be defined by using the presence of phlegm on most days, at least 3 months per year for ≥2 yrs. This can occur in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

What Are the Symptoms of Bronchitis?

The symptoms of bronchitis are:

• Acute bronchitis is a self-limiting infection in most cases, with symptoms typically lasting about 2 weeks.

• The feeling of congestion of the chest.

• The cough may be accompanied by mucus along with its discoloration.

• The cough may be lasting for more than one month in chronic cases. The inflammation in the bronchial tubes takes a long time to heal..

• A low degree of fever and chills.

• Body pain.

• Headaches.

• Nose feels blocked most of the time. The runny nose will be seen in acute conditions.

• Wheezing and shortness of breath will be seen.

In chronic bronchitis, a productive cough will be lasting for a longer duration. The production of sputum, along with the cough, is known as a productive cough.

What Are the Causes of Bronchitis?

Identifying causative pathogens for acute bronchitis is quite difficult and most clinical studies report identification in less than 30% of cases. Almost 90% of cases are related to viruses and less than 10% to bacteria.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of severe acute respiratory infection in children. The other important cause being the symptoms evoked as a result of allergic reactions to pollen grains, dust-mites present in old dust, and pets.

The virus that is causing flu and cold is the cause of acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is caused by abusive practices, such as smoking. Air pollution can also be the cause of chronic bronchitis. For good health, the food, air, and water should be fresh and pure. The smokeless air will keep us away from allergic reactions and cough. Certain occupations can be the reason, as well. The people who are working in factories emitting smoke tend to inhale the polluted air. The impure air respired in the factories contributes to the ill-health of the individual.

How Is It Transmitted?

The transmission of bronchitis occurs due to direct contact with the droplets of sputum released by infected patients. Patients need to follow coughing etiquettes to prevent the spread of one’s disease.

What Are the Risk Factors of Bronchitis?

• Asthma.

• Weak immune system.

• The risk of bronchitis is more in female smokers than male smokers.

• Older people are more likely to have bronchitis, and the risk is higher in these patients.

• A family history of lung disorders.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The diagnosis will require the help of the doctor, especially in chronic bronchitis. Your doctor will ask you to perform certain tests along with the clinical examination. The patient should provide a detailed history of the condition. The diagnostic test varies according to the acute and chronic conditions. The following are the diagnostic tests for bronchitis:

Oxygen Level: The oxygen level in the blood is tested. The levels are tested with the help of a sensor. The device used to test the oxygen levels are known as a pulse oximeter. The sensor identifies the level of oxygen using a finger.

Spirometry: It is a type of lung function testing. This device can be used to diagnose other lung diseases such as COPD, emphysema, and asthma.

Chest X-ray:Chest X-ray is the basic investigation and it helps in ruling out other respiratory diseases as pneumonia, tuberculosis.

Blood Tests: The infection can be identified with blood tests. An increase in the number of white blood cells can occur during infection.

What Are the Treatment Options?

The healing requires adequate rest and good sleep. Acute bronchitis is a self-limiting condition. In some cases, cough suppressants, expectorants, mucolytics, antihistamines, inhaled corticosteroids, and bronchodilators may be required to relieve the symptoms. But the symptoms of chronic bronchitis may continue for more than a month. If you feel very tired due to continuous coughing, you should consult your pulmonologist.

Medications for Cough: Coughing is a useful reflex for removing the mucus from the bronchial tubes. However, medications can give temporary relief, especially at night.

Bronchodilators in the form of inhalers: The bronchodilators help to keep the bronchial tubes dilated and reduce inflammation.

Mucolytics: Mucolytics aid in easier expulsion of sputum through cough or sneeze. It makes the secretions thin and less sticky so that they can be removed easily from the air-passages.

Anti-inflammatory and Antihistamine Agents: Antihistamine drugs and steroids are given to reduce the inflammatory condition in the lungs.

Oxygen Therapy: In very severe and complicated cases, the patient might need the help of oxygen therapy as supplementation.

Steam Therapy: Steam therapy is an ancient method known to ease many respiratory disorders. Specifically, when you have a continuous blockage in your nose, let the steam air from hot boiled water to spread through your nostrils. This can totally give you relief and also helps you sleep better.

What Are the Prevention Measures?

It is not possible to completely prevent the condition of bronchitis. Certain lifestyle modifications have to be made for healthy living.

1. Avoid smoking cigarettes. Quitting the habit of smoking is the best option.

2. Certain lung irritants should be avoided. The irritants might be smoke, vapors, fumes, and pollutants.

3. It is always good to cover your nose and mouth. This can protect you from getting exposed to pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

4. Take proper vaccinations to protect yourself from the flu and pneumonia.

5. The objects and utensils used by the patient should be cleaned properly. The unwanted items that are used by them should be eliminated in the garbage by proper sanitation.

6. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables.

7. Cold food items should be avoided as they can enhance the difficulties in breathing.

What Is the Differential Diagnosis?

• Asthma.

• Pneumonia.

• Common cold.

• Sinusitis.

• Allergic rhinitis.

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