What are the common symptoms of bronchitis. How long does bronchitis typically last. What are the best ways to recover from bronchitis. When should you seek medical attention for bronchitis. How is bronchitis diagnosed and treated. What causes acute and chronic bronchitis. How can you prevent bronchitis and its complications.

Understanding Bronchitis: Types and Causes

Bronchitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the bronchial tubes in the lungs. It can be categorized into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis often follows a viral respiratory infection, while chronic bronchitis is typically associated with long-term irritant exposure, predominantly smoking.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, with about 90% of cases having a viral origin. Environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes can also trigger acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants, with smoking being the most significant risk factor.

What causes acute bronchitis?

• Viral infections (most common)
• Bacterial infections (less common)
• Exposure to environmental irritants
• Allergic reactions

What are the main causes of chronic bronchitis?

• Long-term smoking
• Prolonged exposure to air pollution
• Occupational hazards (e.g., dust, toxic gases)
• Repeated bouts of acute bronchitis

Recognizing Bronchitis Symptoms

Bronchitis presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration. The hallmark symptom is a persistent, productive cough that can last for several weeks. Other symptoms may include fatigue, wheezing, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.

Is fever a common symptom of bronchitis? Fever is unusual in bronchitis and may indicate a more serious condition such as pneumonia or influenza. If you experience a high fever along with bronchitis symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Persistent cough with mucus production
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
• Chest tightness or mild pain
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Sore throat (in the initial stages)

Can bronchitis symptoms mimic other respiratory conditions? Yes, bronchitis symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, including asthma, pneumonia, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This similarity underscores the importance of seeking professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis.

Duration and Recovery: What to Expect

The duration of bronchitis can vary depending on whether it’s acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis typically lasts between two to three weeks, although the cough may persist for up to a month or longer in some cases. Chronic bronchitis, being a long-term condition, requires ongoing management and can last for months or years.

How long does it take to recover from acute bronchitis? Most people recover from acute bronchitis within two to three weeks. However, the cough associated with bronchitis can linger for several weeks after other symptoms have resolved. It’s important to note that recovery time can be influenced by factors such as overall health, age, and adherence to treatment recommendations.

Factors affecting bronchitis recovery time:

• Overall health and immune system strength
• Age and presence of underlying health conditions
• Exposure to irritants during recovery (e.g., smoking, air pollution)
• Adherence to treatment and rest recommendations
• Proper hydration and nutrition

Does chronic bronchitis ever go away completely? Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that typically doesn’t resolve entirely. However, with proper management, including lifestyle changes and medical treatment, symptoms can be significantly reduced and quality of life improved.

Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches

Diagnosing bronchitis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and potentially some diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers use stethoscopes to listen for abnormal lung sounds and may order additional tests to rule out other conditions or assess the severity of the bronchitis.

How is bronchitis diagnosed? Bronchitis is primarily diagnosed through a physical examination and review of symptoms. In some cases, especially for chronic bronchitis, additional tests such as pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, or sputum cultures may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

Common diagnostic methods for bronchitis include:

• Physical examination and medical history review
• Chest auscultation (listening to lung sounds)
• Pulmonary function tests (e.g., spirometry)
• Chest X-rays (to rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions)
• Sputum culture (in cases of suspected bacterial infection)

What treatments are available for bronchitis? Treatment for bronchitis focuses on symptom relief and addressing the underlying cause. For acute bronchitis, this often involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. Chronic bronchitis treatment may include bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, and lifestyle changes.

Treatment options for bronchitis may include:

• Rest and increased fluid intake
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and cough suppressants
• Expectorants to loosen mucus
• Inhaled bronchodilators to open airways
• Corticosteroids (in some cases of chronic bronchitis)
• Antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection is present)
• Smoking cessation programs (for smokers with chronic bronchitis)

Prevention Strategies and Lifestyle Modifications

Preventing bronchitis involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and minimizing exposure to irritants. For those with chronic bronchitis, prevention strategies are crucial in managing the condition and reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

How can you prevent bronchitis? Preventing bronchitis involves a combination of good hygiene practices, avoiding irritants, and maintaining overall health. Key prevention strategies include not smoking, practicing good hand hygiene, getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease, and avoiding exposure to environmental pollutants.

Effective prevention strategies for bronchitis include:

• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Practicing good hand hygiene to prevent viral infections
• Getting annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines
• Wearing protective gear in environments with air pollutants
• Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine
• Managing stress levels
• Avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections

Can lifestyle changes improve chronic bronchitis symptoms? Yes, lifestyle modifications can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for individuals with chronic bronchitis. Quitting smoking is the most important step, as it can slow the progression of the disease and improve lung function. Other beneficial changes include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding environmental irritants.

Complications and When to Seek Medical Attention

While bronchitis is often a self-limiting condition, it can sometimes lead to complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Recognizing when to seek medical attention is crucial for preventing more serious health issues.

What are potential complications of bronchitis? Potential complications of bronchitis include pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory failure in severe cases. Individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions are at higher risk for complications.

Signs that indicate you should seek medical attention for bronchitis:

• Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
• Cough lasting more than three weeks
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue or weakness

When should you go to the emergency room for bronchitis symptoms? You should seek immediate medical care if you experience severe shortness of breath, high fever with chills, coughing up blood, or chest pain. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent attention.

Living with Chronic Bronchitis: Management and Coping Strategies

For individuals diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, learning to manage the condition effectively is key to maintaining a good quality of life. This involves a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and coping strategies to deal with ongoing symptoms.

How can you effectively manage chronic bronchitis? Effective management of chronic bronchitis involves adhering to prescribed treatments, making lifestyle changes, and developing strategies to cope with symptoms. This may include using inhalers as directed, participating in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and learning breathing techniques to improve lung function.

Strategies for managing chronic bronchitis include:

• Following a treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider
• Participating in pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Learning and practicing breathing exercises
• Using airway clearance techniques to remove mucus
• Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Joining support groups for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions

Can alternative therapies help in managing bronchitis symptoms? Some alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and breathing exercises, may provide symptom relief for some individuals with bronchitis. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, as they may interact with conventional medications or be unsuitable for certain individuals.

Research and Advancements in Bronchitis Treatment

The field of respiratory medicine continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. These advancements offer hope for better outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by bronchitis.

What are some recent advancements in bronchitis treatment? Recent advancements in bronchitis treatment include the development of new bronchodilators with longer-lasting effects, improved inhaler technologies for more efficient drug delivery, and personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and molecular markers. Additionally, research into anti-inflammatory therapies and novel antibiotics for bacterial exacerbations continues to progress.

Areas of ongoing research in bronchitis include:

• Gene therapy for chronic bronchitis
• Development of new anti-inflammatory medications
• Improved diagnostic tools for early detection
• Novel mucus-clearing therapies
• Stem cell therapies for lung repair
• Personalized medicine approaches
• Advanced pulmonary rehabilitation techniques

How might future treatments for bronchitis differ from current approaches? Future treatments for bronchitis may be more targeted and personalized, taking into account individual genetic profiles and specific disease mechanisms. There’s also a growing focus on preventive strategies and early interventions to halt disease progression before it becomes chronic. Additionally, advancements in telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies may allow for more continuous and accessible care for individuals with chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms, How Long It Lasts, Recovery

Medically Reviewed by Minesh Khatri, MD on January 15, 2022

Bronchitis is an inflammation in the lungs that some people call a chest cold. It can be a miserable, but minor, illness that follows a viral illness like the common cold — or may follow a more serious condition like a chronic smoker’s hack. Bronchitis can also be caused by exposure to smoke, chemical irritants, or bacteria. A cough, phlegm, and feeling tired are typical symptoms of bronchitis, but these are also symptoms of other illnesses, so getting the right diagnosis and treatment is important.

When the bronchial tubes that carry air deep into your lungs become inflamed, the inner lining swells and grows thicker, narrowing the breathing passages. These irritated membranes also secrete extra mucus, which coats and sometimes clogs the small airways. Coughing spells are the body’s way of trying to clear out these secretions for easier breathing.

The main symptom of bronchitis is a productive cough that persists several days to weeks . Other symptoms that may occur are:

• Fatigue
• Wheezing sounds when breathing
• Tightness or dull pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath

Fever is unusual and suggests pneumonia or flu.

Acute bronchitis often develops three to four days after a cold or the flu. It may start with a dry cough, then after a few days the coughing spells may bring up mucus. Most people get over an acute bout of bronchitis in two to three weeks, although the cough can sometimes hang on for four weeks or more. If you’re in otherwise good health, your lungs will return to normal after you’ve recovered from the initial infection.

Doctors suspect this illness when you have a cough with phlegm on most days for at least three months in a year, for two years in a row. Chronic bronchitis is a serious condition that makes your lungs a breeding ground for bacterial infections and may require ongoing medical treatment. It’s one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. The “smoker’s cough” is sometimes a sign of bronchitis and COPD.

The symptoms of bronchitis are often the same as those of other conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, allergies, the common cold, influenza, sinusitis, and even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and lung cancer. See your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Serious illnesses like pneumonia require prompt treatment.

Check in with your medical provider if you:

• Feel short of breath or wheeze
• Cough up blood
• Have a fever greater than 101 F (38 C)
• Have a cough lasting more than four weeks

This form of bronchitis is more common in winter and nine out of 10 cases are caused by a virus. Irritants — like tobacco smoke, smog, chemicals in household cleaners, even fumes or dust in the environment — can also cause acute bronchitis.

Smoking is by far the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Workplace exposure to dust and toxic gases is a much less common cause, seen in miners and grain handlers. Air pollution can make symptoms worse for people with chronic bronchitis.

A smoker who gets acute bronchitis will have a much harder time recovering. Even one puff on a cigarette can cause temporary damage to the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) in the airways that brush out debris, irritants, and excess mucus. Further smoking continues the damage and increases the chances of chronic bronchitis, which can lead to increased risk of lung infection and permanent lung damage. Bottom line: It’s time to quit.

Doctors usually diagnose acute bronchitis by reviewing how your symptoms have developed over time and through a physical examination. Using a stethoscope, your doctor will listen for any abnormal sounds produced within your lungs when you breathe.

Your doctor may recommend pulmonary function testing after doing a medical history and physical exam. Pulmonary function tests like spirometry measure how well the lungs are working. A chest X-ray may also be done.

The only treatment generally needed for acute bronchitis is symptom relief: Drink lots of fluids; get plenty of rest; and avoiding smoke and fumes. A non-prescription pain reliever may help with body aches. Your doctor may prescribe an expectorant to help loosen mucus so it can be more easily coughed up or an inhaled bronchodilator medicine to open your airways.

If you have chronic bronchitis related to smoking, the most important thing to do is to quit smoking to prevent ongoing damage to your lungs. Unless your doctor advises against it, get a pneumococcal vaccine and an annual flu vaccine. Treatment may include bronchodilators and steroids (inhaled or by mouth).

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Doctors may prescribe bronchodilators, which are drugs that help open constricted airways. Oxygen therapy helps some people breathe better and a pulmonary rehab program can improve your quality of life. Quitting smoking is a must to stop further lung damage.

It’s no surprise that the best way to decrease your risk is not to smoke or allow others to smoke in your home. Other ways include: avoiding colds and staying away from things that irritate your nose, throat, and lungs, such as dust or pets. Also, if you catch a cold, get plenty of rest and take your medicine as directed.

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(14)  IAN HOOTON / SPL
(15)  Creatas
(16)  Corbis

REFERENCES:

American Cancer Society.
American Lung Association.
Brunton, S. American Journal of Managed Care, October 2004.
Cedars-Sinai.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ERS Task Force. European Respiratory Journal, September 2004.
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National Institutes of Health.
Smucny, J. Cochrane Database System Reviews, October 2004.
Steinman, M. American Journal of Geriatric Society, June 2004.
University of California San Francisco Medical Center.

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Bronchitis | Cedars-Sinai

ABOUT

DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

Overview

The bronchi are the two main airways that branch down from the trachea (the airway that starts in the back of the throat and goes into the chest). When the parts of the walls of the bronchi become swollen and tender (inflamed), the condition is called bronchitis. The inflammation causes more mucus to be produced, which narrows the airway and makes breathing more difficult.

There are several types of bronchitis:

• Acute bronchitis can last for up to 90 days
• Chronic bronchitis can last for months or sometimes years. If chronic bronchitis decreases the amount of air flowing to the lungs, it is considered to be a sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Infectious bronchitis usually occurs in the winter due to viruses, including the influenza virus. Even after a viral infection has passed, the irritation of the bronchi can continue to cause symptoms. Infectious bronchitis can also be due to bacteria, especially if it follows an upper respiratory viral infection. It is possible to have viral and bacterial bronchitis at the same time.
• Irritative bronchitis (or industrial or environmental bronchitis) is caused by exposure to mineral or vegetable dusts or fumes from strong acids, ammonia, some organic solvents, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and bromine

Symptoms

Symptoms will vary somewhat depending on the underlying cause of the bronchitis. When the bronchitis is due to an infection the symptoms may include:

• A slight fever of 100 to 101°F with severe bronchitis. The fever may rise to 101 to 102°F and last three to five days even after antibiotics are started.
• A runny nose
• Aches in the back and muscles
• Chills
• Coughing that starts out dry is often the first sign of acute bronchitis. Small amounts of white mucus may be coughed up if the bronchitis is viral. If the color of the mucus changes to green or yellow, it may be a sign that a bacterial infection has also set in. The cough is usually the last symptom to clear up and may last for weeks.
• Feeling tired
• Shortness of breath that can be triggered by inhaling cold, outdoor air or smelling strong odors. This happens because the inflamed bronchi may narrow for short periods of time, cutting down the amount of air that enters the lungs. Wheezing, especially after coughing, is common.
• Sore throat

Bronchitis does not usually lead to serious complications (e. g., acute respiratory failure or pneumonia) unless the patient has a chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.

Causes and Risk Factors

An infection or irritating substances, gases or particles in the air can cause acute bronchitis. Smokers and people with chronic lung disease are more prone to repeated attacks of acute bronchitis. This is because the mucus in their airways doesn’t drain well. Others at risk of getting acute bronchitis repeatedly are people with chronic sinus infections or allergies; children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids; and people who don’t eat properly.

Diagnosis

To diagnose bronchitis, a physician performs a physical examination, listens for wheezing with a stethoscope and evaluates symptoms – making sure they are not due to pneumonia. A sample of sputum from a cough may be examined because its color – clear or white versus yellow or green – may suggest whether the bronchitis is due to a viral infection or a bacterial infection, respectively. A chest X-ray may be needed to rule out pneumonia, and if the cough lasts more than two months, a chest X-ray may be done to rule out another lung disease, such as lung cancer.

Treatment

Depending on the symptoms and cause of the bronchitis, treatment options include:

• Antibiotics may be ordered to treat acute bronchitis that appears to be caused by a bacterial infection or for people who have other lung diseases that put them at a greater risk of lung infections
• Bronchodilators, which open up the bronchi, may be used on a short-term basis to open airways and reduce wheezing
• Cool-mist humidifiers or steam vaporizers can be helpful for wheezing or shortness of breath. Leaning over a bathroom sink full of hot water with a towel loosely draped over the head can also be help open the airways.
• Corticosteroids given in an inhaler are sometimes prescribed to help the cough go away, reduce inflammation and make the airways less reactive. They are most often given when the cough remains after the infection is no longer present.
• Cough medicines should be used carefully. While they can be helpful to suppress a dry, bothersome cough, they should not be used to suppress a cough that produces a lot of sputum. When the cough is wet, expectorants can help thin the secretions and make them easier to cough up. When a lot of mucus is present, coughing is important to clear the lungs of fluid.
• For viral bronchitis, antibiotics will not be effective. If influenza causes the bronchitis, treatment with antiviral drugs may be helpful.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be used for pain relief and fever reduction. Children with bronchitis should not be given aspirin; instead they should take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Plenty of fluids – enough to keep the urine pale (except for the first urination of the day, when it is usually darker)
• Rest, especially if a fever is present

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract (bronchi), which carries air into the lungs. Inflammation causes swelling, narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, increased sputum formation.

Distinguish between acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They have a different mechanism of development, a different course, which requires, accordingly, a different approach to treatment.

Acute bronchitis is very common and is most often caused by viruses, rarely by bacteria, and even less often by fungal infection or toxins. The prognosis for acute bronchitis is favorable – almost all cases end in complete recovery. The illness usually lasts for about 10 days, although a person can cough for several more weeks.

COPD damages not only the bronchi, but also lung tissue. Pathological changes develop for a long time, are irreversible, significantly disrupt breathing and, as a result, the work of the whole organism. The main cause of COPD is smoking. The prognosis for COPD is generally unfavorable, but modern methods of treatment can alleviate the condition of patients with COPD.

Synonyms Russian

Acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, bronchiolitis, chronic lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, chronic nonspecific lung disease

Synonyms English

Chronic bronchitis, bronchiolitis, chronic airway inflammation, COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, COAD, chronic obstructive lung disease, COLD, acute bronchitis, chest cold.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of acute bronchitis and COPD are:

• cough,
• shortness of breath,
• chest tightness.

Acute bronchitis often occurs after SARS or influenza, so it may be accompanied by fever, weakness, malaise and other non-specific signs of infection. Cough in acute bronchitis lasts from 10 days to several weeks, in COPD – for 3 months a year for at least 2 years.

General information about the disease

The bronchi are breathing tubes through which air enters the lungs, while being moistened, cleansed and warmed. Their wall consists of several layers and contains cartilaginous rings, muscle fibers. From the inside, the bronchi are lined with a membrane covered with a layer of mucus, which is produced by goblet cells. Cleansing of the bronchi occurs due to the movement of the processes of the ciliated cells of the mucous membrane. After passing through the bronchi, the air enters the alveoli – the structural elements of the lung tissue, where gas exchange occurs.

In acute bronchitis, the bronchi are damaged by microbes and toxins, the cells of the mucous membrane are destroyed, as a result, the movement of cilia is disturbed, goblet cells and bronchial glands secrete a very large amount of mucus that stagnates, the lumen of the bronchi decreases, small bronchi can become blocked. The mucous membrane swells, becomes inflamed. All this leads to coughing, difficulty breathing. In acute bronchitis, these processes, as a rule, undergo a reverse change within three weeks.

The main cause of COPD is smoking, less often long-term exposure to dust containing cadmium, lead, silicon, organic dust, ammonia fumes, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, phosgene and other toxic substances. In COPD, the symptoms of the disease occur already with significant structural changes in the lungs. Unlike acute bronchitis, not only the bronchi are damaged, but also the alveoli – their walls become thinner, collapse, become less elastic. The walls of the bronchioles are compressed, the walls of the bronchi thicken, deform, and airway obstruction occurs. COPD can lead to severe pulmonary and cardiovascular complications and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Who is at risk?

• Smokers.
• Elderly people.
• Children.
• People who are immunosuppressed due to another acute or chronic illness.
• Those who often come into contact with chemicals and toxins at work (chemists, metallurgists, railway workers, miners).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bronchitis is based on the presence of relevant symptoms, medical examination, and the results of diagnostic procedures.

Laboratory diagnostics

• Complete blood count (without leukocyte formula and ESR) with leukocyte formula. In acute bronchitis, the number of leukocytes can be increased, mainly due to neutrophils. With COPD, there are usually no changes in the complete blood count.
• ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In acute bronchitis, it can be increased.
• C-reactive protein. May be elevated in acute bronchitis.
• General sputum analysis. Sputum examination is necessary to exclude a number of lung diseases: cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, etc.

Other research methods

• Chest X-ray. Used to rule out other lung conditions that can cause coughing, or complications of bronchitis such as pneumonia. In uncomplicated bronchitis, there are usually no changes on the radiograph. In COPD, the bronchi can become deformed.
• Bronchoscopy. It is carried out to examine the mucous membrane for the presence of deformations. To do this, use a special device – a bronchoscope. It consists of a flexible rod equipped with a video camera, a light and a manipulator for taking a sample of bronchial tissue, and allows direct examination of the bronchi.
• Spirometry. During the study, the patient takes a deep breath, and then quickly exhales into a special device – a spirometer. This test is done to look for signs of asthma or emphysema, in which there are signs of air retention in the lungs.

Treatment

Treatment of bronchitis depends on the cause that caused it, the type of bronchitis, the severity of the patient’s condition.

Acute bronchitis requires bed rest, plenty of warm drink, air humidification in the apartment. As a rule, it is successfully treated at home. Hospitalization is required only in severe cases or for young children. For the treatment of acute bronchitis, antibiotics are used (in the case of a bacterial nature of bronchitis), mucolytics (drugs that thin sputum), in some cases, antitussive drugs and bronchodilators (drugs that expand the lumen of the bronchi).

Treatment for COPD does not lead to a complete restoration of the patency and structure of the lungs – this disease is steadily progressing, despite therapy. However, it helps to reduce the main manifestations of the disease, slow down its development and allows the patient to lead a more active lifestyle.

COPD can be treated with glucocorticosteroids, oxygen therapy, possibly surgical treatment. Glucocorticosteroids are used during an exacerbation. When using steroids, remission (relief) is achieved faster and lasts longer.