What is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These are the airways that carry air into your lungs. When these tubes become infected, they swell. Mucus (thick liquid) forms inside them. This narrows the airways, making it harder for you to breathe.
There are 2 types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis persists and may recur. It is usually caused by constant irritation, such as from smoking. Acute bronchitis lasts only a short time. Most cases clear up in a few days, although the cough can last for several weeks.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of acute bronchitis may include:
- Chest tightness or tightness in the chest
- Cough with clear, yellow or green phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Wheeze
- Sore throat
- Fever
- chills
- Body aches
Your cough may last several weeks or more. This happens because the bronchial tubes take some time to heal. A persistent cough could signal another problem, such as asthma or pneumonia.
What causes acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infectious virus. The viruses that cause colds can also cause acute bronchitis. First, the virus affects your nose, sinuses, and throat. The infection then moves to the lining of the bronchial tubes. As your body fights off the virus, swelling occurs and mucus is produced.
You can get the virus by inhaling the virus or by coming into contact with your skin. You are at higher risk of contracting the virus if you have close contact with someone who has a cold or acute bronchitis.
Lesser known causes are:
- Bacterial or fungal infection.
- Exposure to irritants, such as smoke, dust, or fumes. You are at higher risk if your bronchial tubes are already damaged.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which causes heartburn. You can get acute bronchitis when stomach acid spills into your bronchial tubes.
How to diagnosed?
Your doctor can confirm acute bronchitis. He or she will do a physical exam and review your symptoms. He or she will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray to look at your lungs. This will help rule out pneumonia.
Can acute bronchitis be prevented or avoided?
You can help prevent acute bronchitis by staying healthy and avoiding germs. Wash your hands with soap often to kill any contagious viruses.
If you smoke, the best way to fight this disease is to quit smoking. Smoking damages your bronchial tubes and puts you at risk of infection. Smoking also slows down the healing process.
Other steps you can take to avoid acute bronchitis include:
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when using lung irritants. These may include paints, paint removers, or varnishes.
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Ask your doctor if you should get a pneumonia shot, especially if you’re over 60 years old.
Treatment:
Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses. This means that antibiotics won’t help. The infection needs to run its course. It almost always goes away on its own. Home treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms:
- Drink water but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Rest much.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. These may include acetaminophen (1 brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (1 brand: Advil). Never give aspirin to a child. It has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, which can affect the liver and brain.
- Increase the humidity in your home or use a humidifier.
There are a number of over-the-counter cough medicines that help dissolve or loosen mucus. Look for the word “guaifenesin” on the label or ask your pharmacist for recommendations.
Do not suppress a productive cough. This type of cough helps clear mucus from your bronchial tubes. If you smoke, you should quit. It will help your bronchial tubes heal faster.
Some people need inhaled medication. You may need this if you are wheezing. It can help open your bronchial tubes and clear mucus. You usually take it with an inhaler. An inhaler sprays medicine right into your bronchial tubes. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for you.
If your doctor thinks bacteria is causing your acute bronchitis, they may give you antibiotics.
Living with acute bronchitis
In smst cases, it go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. You should call your doctor if:
- You continue to wheeze and cough for more than 2 weeks, especially at night when you lie down or when you are active.
- You continue to cough for more than 2 weeks and have an unpleasant-tasting liquid in your mouth. This could mean you have GERD. This is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into your esophagus.
- Coughing up blood, you feel weak, have a high fever continuously, and have trouble breathing. These symptoms could mean you have pneumonia.
The risk of developing complications from acute bronchitis, such as pneumonia, is higher in some people. Including:
- Children
- Older people
- People with asthma
- People with other health problems (such as cancer or diabetes)
- People who have not had a flu, pneumonia, or pertussis vaccine