Acute Bronchitis

Bronchitisis an inflammation of the main airways to the lungs (bronchi) and which usually lasts for a short period of time. Typically it is accompanied by a cough - which can be either a dry cough or mucus producing. 

Acute bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory ailments and is mainly caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system.

There are many different respiratory viruses that can do this, including the rhino virus, which causes the common cold.

It is not the same as chronic bronchitis, which often persists for a longer period of time.

Acute means that it is intense but lasts for a short period of time, while chronic means it is not as intense, but more importantly, it lasts for longer periods of time.

Who is Most at Risk from Acute Bronchitis?

For most respiratory ailments, one of the main risk factors is tobacco smoking, both directly or second hand. People, of any age, who are exposed to tobacco smoke run a greater risk as the smoke you inhale affects the "cilia" which are hair like cells along our air ways.

These cells main function is to filter out germs and dust, so when you inhale tobacco smoke you are effectively limiting their health prevention activities, your defenses are down and can be infected that much easier.

The person is at increased risk for bronchitis if have suffered an illness or a recent respiratory infection (which reduces your ability to fight infections), or have chronic lung problems like asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What are the Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

The classic symptoms of bronchitis may resemble a cold. You may feel a tickle in the back of the throat that leads to a dry, irritating cough. As the infection worsens, the person may cough up thick, yellow mucus, which could be streaked with blood (although this is rare)..

Sometimes, the symptoms of bronchitis not appear until the viral infection has gone, but then another bacterial infection creeps in and produces the coughing symptoms of bronchitis.

Symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Cough: 

  - that is constant or gets progressively worse for 10 days to 2 weeks.
  - is worse at night.
  - Starts out dry, irritating the throat (tickling),
  - or mucus (younger kids usually can not cough this up, instead, they swallow it).
  - or blood (very rare), for which you should consult your doctor if this happens.
  - or lasts less than 6 to 8 weeks.

• Shortness of breath 
• Wheezing 
• Feeling a "hum" in the chest 
• General discomfort (malaise) 
• Mild fever 
• Tingling in the back of the throat that leads to this pain 
• Chest pain, soreness and tightness in the chest 
• Poor sleep 
• Chills (uncommon) 

Whooping cough and sinusitis may cause symptoms similar to bronchitis, so it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Diagnosing Acute Bronchitis: Signs and Tests

A doctor can diagnose acute bronchitis by reviewing your medical history and current health status. A physical examination and x-ray can help rule out pneumonia.

Treatment for Acute Bronchitis

Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus that does not respond to antibiotics so they are rarely used, unless your doctor diagnoses whooping cough or pneumonia. COPD combines both bronchitis and emphysema (more information on COPD treatment here).

Medications called bronchodilators are used to open air passages in the lungs and they may be prescribed if you are wheezing.

Decongestants may also help relieve symptoms of bronchitis. Similarly, drugs that loosen the mucus, are also prescribed, although there is a certain amount of uncertainty about how well they work.

You will also be advised to:

  * Increase consumption of fluids to help thin mucus in the lungs
  * Rest
  * Soothe your airways by increasing humidity in the air (this can be done using humidifier)

What Can you Expect with Acute Bronchitis?

If you do not have chronic lung disease, the symptoms will usually disappear within 7 to 14 days. However, in some patients, complete relief from coughing may take much longer.

Potential Complications from Acute Bronchitis

Pneumonia is a possible complication, and some people may also develop sinusitis. People with asthma or other lung conditions may experience a worsening of symptoms.

If you are undergoing acute bronchitis treatment, make sure you have a more in depth check up. if:

  * Your symptoms last longer than 2 weeks
  * You are suffering from shortness of breath or wheezing
  * If you cough up blood

Preventing Acute Bronchitis:

• Do not smoke and avoid risks of second hand smoking.
• Good hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting viruses and other respiratory infections.
• Because it has been shown that influenza viruses are a major cause of bronchitis, getting a flu shot may also help prevent acute bronchitis.
• Limit your exposure to cold and wet environments. The probabilities of developing acute bronchitis are greater if you combine smoking with cold, wet weather.