OVERVIEW

Bronchitis is a disease that causes inflammation and obstruction of the airways usually caused by an excess production of phlegm (also referred to as sputum). There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus or bacteria and usually will go away within a few days or weeks.
Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is one of the two diseases that fall under the COPD umbrella and is therefore a disease that calls for lifelong symptoms, though there may be seasons of less symtptoms.

A patient with chronic bronchitis may experience a cough that can last several months. Chronic cough associated with bronchitis causes the airways to remain inflammed for long periods of time, causing mucus buildup that could lad to difficulty breathing.

Your risk of contacting chronic bronchitis increases if you are a smoker, suffer from allergies, or if you have asthma.

 

CAUSES & SYMPTOMS

Bronchitis may be caused by cigarette smoke, allergies, and/or asthma. Women who smoke are more likely to contract bronchitis than men, and the risk also increases for patients over the age of 50 and those who have had constant exposure to fumes or secondhand smoke.

The most common symptom of bronchitis is a persistent cough caused by mucus buildup in the airways.

Other symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and low fever.

 

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Your doctor will perform a physical test as well as run a chest X-Ray to determine whether you have bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis will often go away without the use of medication, but your doctor may suggest over the counter medications to control fever or reduce discomfort.

If you are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, your doctor will discuss the best treatment options for you which may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking.