What are the key differences between acute and chronic bronchitis. How can you recognize the symptoms of bronchitis. When should you seek medical attention for a persistent cough. What are the main risk factors and prevention strategies for bronchitis.

Understanding Bronchitis: A Common Respiratory Condition

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs. This inflammation can lead to a variety of symptoms, most notably a persistent cough. While occasional coughing is normal, a cough that persists for several days may indicate bronchitis.

There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Each type has its own set of characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches. Understanding the differences between these types can help individuals recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care when necessary.

Acute Bronchitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Acute bronchitis is a temporary form of bronchial inflammation that typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. It is most commonly caused by viral infections, although bacterial infections can also be responsible in some cases.

Key Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

• Persistent cough (initially dry, later producing mucus)
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Possible fever

The cough associated with acute bronchitis usually lasts between 10 to 20 days. In some cases, it may persist for up to eight weeks. While the condition can be uncomfortable, it generally does not require medical intervention unless certain complications arise.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Dr. Jared Meeker, a pulmonologist at OSF HealthCare, advises seeking medical attention in the following situations:

1. If you experience shortness of breath
2. If the cough is accompanied by a persistently high fever

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical evaluation and treatment.

Treatment and Management of Acute Bronchitis

In most cases, acute bronchitis resolves on its own without specific treatment. However, there are several steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

• Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen
• Rest and avoid strenuous activities
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air

It’s important to note that antibiotics are generally not recommended for acute bronchitis, as it is typically caused by viruses rather than bacteria.

Chronic Bronchitis: A Long-Term Respiratory Concern

Chronic bronchitis is a more serious and persistent form of bronchial inflammation. It is classified as a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and requires ongoing management.

Defining Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is typically diagnosed when a person experiences a productive cough (cough with mucus) for at least three months of the year for two consecutive years. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is not caused by viral infections but rather by long-term exposure to irritants or other factors.

Risk Factors for Chronic Bronchitis

Several factors can contribute to the development of chronic bronchitis:

• Cigarette smoking (the strongest modifiable risk factor)
• Occupational exposures (e.g., livestock farming, mining, concrete manufacturing)
• Genetic predisposition
• Long-term exposure to air pollution

Dr. Meeker emphasizes that while there are multiple potential factors, smoking remains the most significant and modifiable risk factor for chronic bronchitis.

Management and Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis

Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management. Treatment approaches may include:

• Bronchodilators to help open airways
• Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Oxygen therapy in severe cases
• Lifestyle modifications, especially smoking cessation

Regular medical check-ups are essential for individuals with chronic bronchitis to monitor lung function and adjust treatment as needed.

Preventing Bronchitis: Strategies for Respiratory Health

While not all cases of bronchitis can be prevented, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing both acute and chronic forms of the condition.

Vaccination: A Key Prevention Strategy

Getting vaccinated against respiratory illnesses can significantly reduce the risk of developing acute bronchitis. Dr. Meeker recommends vaccinations against:

• Influenza (flu)
• Pneumonia
• COVID-19

These vaccines can help prevent infections that may trigger bronchitis or lead to more severe respiratory complications.

Lifestyle Modifications for Bronchitis Prevention

In addition to vaccination, several lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of bronchitis:

• Quit smoking or avoid starting
• Minimize exposure to air pollutants and occupational irritants
• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent viral infections
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to support overall immune function

Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing bronchitis and promote overall respiratory health.

Distinguishing Bronchitis from Other Respiratory Conditions

Bronchitis shares symptoms with several other respiratory conditions, making it important to understand the key differences. This knowledge can help individuals recognize when to seek medical attention and avoid unnecessary treatments.

Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia

While both conditions can cause coughing and respiratory discomfort, pneumonia is typically more severe and often accompanied by:

• High fever
• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing
• Severe fatigue

Pneumonia often requires more aggressive treatment, including antibiotics, and may necessitate hospitalization in severe cases.

Bronchitis vs. Asthma

Asthma and bronchitis can both cause wheezing and shortness of breath. However, asthma is characterized by:

• Recurrent episodes of breathlessness
• Triggers such as allergens or exercise
• Reversible airway obstruction

Asthma typically requires long-term management with inhaled medications, while acute bronchitis is usually self-limiting.

The Impact of Bronchitis on Quality of Life

Bronchitis, particularly in its chronic form, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Understanding these effects can motivate individuals to take preventive measures and seek appropriate treatment.

Physical Impact of Bronchitis

The persistent cough and breathing difficulties associated with bronchitis can lead to:

• Fatigue and reduced energy levels
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased risk of respiratory infections

Emotional and Social Effects

Living with chronic bronchitis can also have emotional and social consequences:

• Anxiety and depression related to breathing difficulties
• Social isolation due to persistent coughing
• Reduced participation in physical activities
• Strain on personal and professional relationships

Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of bronchitis is crucial for comprehensive management and improved quality of life.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Bronchitis Treatment

As our understanding of respiratory health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to treating and preventing bronchitis. These advancements offer hope for improved management of both acute and chronic forms of the condition.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Current research is focusing on several promising areas:

• Targeted anti-inflammatory medications
• Gene therapy for chronic bronchitis
• Personalized treatment based on genetic markers
• Advanced mucus-clearing techniques

These innovative approaches aim to provide more effective and tailored treatments for individuals with bronchitis.

Advancements in Diagnostic Tools

Improved diagnostic techniques are also under development, including:

• Advanced imaging technologies for early detection
• Biomarker tests for more precise diagnosis
• Artificial intelligence-assisted analysis of lung function tests

These advancements may lead to earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatment strategies for bronchitis.

In conclusion, bronchitis is a common respiratory condition that can significantly impact an individual’s health and quality of life. By understanding the differences between acute and chronic bronchitis, recognizing symptoms, and implementing preventive strategies, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their respiratory health. As research continues to advance, we can look forward to more effective treatments and management approaches for this prevalent condition.

I’m coughing a lot. Is it bronchitis?

We all cough occasionally during the course of a day. It’s not usually a sign of illness – just a tickle in the throat caused by something we ate, drank or any number of things. You generally cough once or twice, and it’s over. And within a minute or so, you’ve totally forgotten about it.

But what about a cough that won’t go away? If it lasts for several days, there’s a good chance you have bronchitis, which is inflammation of the breathing airways known as bronchi. The most common types of this disease are acute and chronic.

Acute bronchitis

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While a number of symptoms can be signs of acute bronchitis, the most common is a cough (first dry but later with a lot of mucus) lasting 10 to 20 days. It’s sometimes accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath.

“If you have shortness of breath, that’s when you should see your doctor to have your oxygen levels checked,” said Jared Meeker, DO, a pulmonologist at OSF HealthCare. “You should also see your doctor if the cough is accompanied by a persistently high fever so more serious illnesses can be ruled out.

“However, the good news is that acute bronchitis isn’t usually something to worry about. It’s typically caused by a virus and goes away on its own in four to eight weeks. To alleviate symptoms, a person should drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes and take acetaminophen.”

Acute bronchitis typically occurs during cold weather months since that’s when viruses are more common. It’s rare for the illness to progress into anything more serious.

Is there a way to avoid acute bronchitis?

“Getting vaccinated against illnesses likely to trigger acute bronchitis – things like the flu, pneumonia and even COVID-19 – is a really good idea,” Dr. Meeker said. “A person’s chances of getting bronchitis also decrease if they avoid smoking.”

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is one of many lung diseases classified as a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Like its name suggests, it’s an ongoing, chronic illness, and once you get it, you’ll have to deal with it to some degree for the rest of your life. It’s usually diagnosed after having a productive cough lasting at least three months of the year for two consecutive years.

Unlike its acute counterpart, chronic bronchitis isn’t viral. So what causes it?

“There’s a multitude of potential factors, some of which are potentially genetic, but the strongest modifiable risk factor is cigarette smoking,” Dr. Meeker said. “Lesser factors include occupational exposures, such as livestock and agricultural farming, different types of mining and concrete manufacturing. But again, the strongest risk factor is smoking.”

When is it time to see a doctor?

“Any chronic, productive cough warrants evaluation by a doctor, especially if there’s shortness of breath,” Dr. Meeker said. “That’s because lung function needs to be evaluated to make sure there’s no obstructive disease. If there is obstruction, the patient may benefit not only from treating the cough but from using inhalers to help open their airways. This type of chronic bronchitis can be very severe and is referred to as chronic obstructive bronchitis, which is another type of COPD.”

Like acute bronchitis, there is no cure for chronic bronchitis. The only treatment is to manage the symptoms, which tend to flare up more in the cold weather months. The disease’s impact can also be reduced by getting the flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines.

But the best advice Dr. Meeker can give?

“Don’t smoke,” he said. “If there was no smoking, it wouldn’t prevent all cases of chronic bronchitis, but it would prevent a lot of them.”

Last Updated: July 14, 2021

View all posts by Luke Legner

Tags: COPD, cough, flu, smoking

Categories: General, Lung & Respiratory Health

Cold and Flu – familydoctor.org

Follow this chart for information about how to treat the symptoms of a cold or the flu and how to know when to see a doctor. Other illnesses may also cause flu- or cold-like symptoms. Self-care is often all that is needed to treat common viral illnesses.

Back to Symptoms

Step 2

Answering Questions

• Do you have a fever?

• Do you have a sore throat and headache without nasal drainage or a cough?

• Did your symptoms start suddenly, and do you have a combination of symptoms including muscle aches, fatigue, chills, sore throat, runny nose, and/or cough?

• Are you experiencing wheezing, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough that brings up clear, yellow, or green mucus?

• Do you have a headache or muscle aches, nausea or vomiting, and watery diarrhea?

• Are you experiencing a runny and/or itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes that get worse when you are outside or around certain triggers?

• Are you experiencing sneezing, a sore throat with a cough, a headache, congestion, and a runny nose?

• Do you have pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead; nasal congestion; a headache; a dry cough; and/or any type of discharge from your nose?

Back to Questions

Step 3

Possible Causes

• Diagnosis

  You may have STREP THROAT, an infection caused by bacteria.

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  Self Care

  See your doctor if your sore throat or fever lasts longer than 48 hours. He or she can do a test to find out if you have strep throat. If you do, your doctor may give you an antibiotic to treat it.

  You should also get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Gargling with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup [8 ounces] of warm water) may help relieve your sore throat.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have a viral infection, possibly INFLUENZA (also known as the FLU).

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  Self Care

  If you see your doctor within 48 hours of the start of your symptoms, he or she may prescribe an antiviral medicine to shorten the course of the flu.

  Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines may relieve some of your symptoms. Don’t give OTC cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 4 years of age unless your child’s doctor says it’s okay.

  Remember, you can prevent the flu by getting a flu shot each fall.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have ACUTE BRONCHITIS, an inflammation of the airways that is most often caused by a viral infection.

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  Self Care

  Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Using a cool-mist humidifier may also relieve some of your symptoms. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to help your airways heal faster.

  Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause most cases of acute bronchitis. An over-the-counter (OTC) medicine can reduce inflammation, ease pain, and lower your fever. An expectorant (medicine that thins mucus) can help your cough clear mucus from your airways. Don’t give over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 4 years of age unless your child’s doctor says it’s okay.

  If you are wheezing, you might need inhaled medicine. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for you.

  If your symptoms persist or get worse, contact your doctor. If you are having trouble breathing at rest or with light activity, go directly to the nearest emergency room (by ambulance, if necessary).

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have viral GASTROENTERITIS. Many people call it the STOMACH FLU, but it is not the same as influenza.

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  Self Care

  Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Ease back into eating with bland foods and clear liquids.

  Children who have gastroenteritis should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to avoid dehydration.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have ALLERGIC RHINITIS, an allergic reaction to triggers such as tree, grass, or weed pollen; animal dander from cats and dogs; mold; and dust mites.

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  Self Care

  Try an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medicine or an OTC nasal steroid spray. If your symptoms are getting worse or are hard to control, contact your doctor.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You probably have a viral infection, commonly called a COLD.

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  Self Care

  Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause colds.

  Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Try an over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to treat the specific symptoms you are having. Don’t give OTC cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 4 years of age unless your child’s doctor says it’s okay.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may be developing a viral or bacterial infection called SINUSITIS.

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  Self Care

  Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may help reduce facial pain. Holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a warm cloth or towel can relieve sinus pressure and help open your sinus passages. A cool-mist humidifier may help your sinuses drain more easily.

  Contact your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 10 days or if your symptoms start to get better but then suddenly get worse again. Severe cases of sinusitis caused by bacteria may require an antibiotic.

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  Start Over

• Self Care

  For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.

  WARNING: Due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, don’t give aspirin to children without your doctor’s approval.

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  Start Over

familydoctor.org editorial staff
October 21, 2020October 5, 2016

Nausea, stuffy nose… SARS? No! Ornithosis.

Having an exotic bird in the house or giving our child a cute little parrot, we hardly think about the fact that danger can come from our “acquisition”. But it really can! And quite insidious! Ornithosis. It is insidious in that from a diseased bird, which is the main “reservoir” and source of infection, absolutely any representative of the animal world and, most importantly, a person can become infected.
Ornithosis (chlamydia, psittacosis), called “parrot disease”, is an infectious disease characterized by damage to the parenchymal organs and intestines (diarrhea) in birds and atypical pneumonia, enteritis, peritonitis, encephalitis in mammals and humans. It is registered on all continents of the globe.
The causative agent of ornithosis is Chlamydophila psittaci, an intracellular parasite. It reproduces by binary (two) division in the cytoplasm of affected cells. It is well preserved in the external environment, especially when dried or frozen, but at the same time it is highly sensitive to antibiotics and disinfectants.
In birds, ornithosis occurs as an acute intestinal infection or as a healthy carrier. In this regard, it is important to remember the danger of contact with apparently healthy birds and their waste products. Birds of the Psittacidae (parrot) and Columbidae (pigeon) families are of the greatest epidemiological significance. The infection rate of urban pigeons can vary between 25-90%. Significant infestation is noted among crows. The most common sources of infection are turkeys, ducks (rarely chickens), as well as pigeons and birds kept for decorative purposes (parrots, canaries, etc.). Ornithosis in birds is manifested by serous-mucous and purulent discharge from the nose, diarrhea, weakness, refusal to eat, sticking together of feathers. Sick birds, especially ornamental ones, often die; ill birds are carriers. Among birds, the pathogen circulates mainly due to alimentary infection. Transovarial (through the egg) transmission of the pathogen to offspring in two or more generations is possible.
Several dozen cases of ornithosis are registered annually in the Russian Federation.
Only in the Tver region in 2010, 6 cases of ornithosis in birds were registered, and in 2011 – already 8.
infected from birds quite often. Human susceptibility to ornithosis is high. Human infection occurs due to contact with the excrement and nasal secretions of infected birds, dust mixed with them, as well as contaminated fluff, feathers and other objects. The pathogen transmission mechanism is predominantly aerosol, fecal-oral, the transmission route is airborne, food (up to 10% of cases). Infection is also possible when biting sick birds and bringing the pathogen onto the mucous membrane of the nose, eyes or mouth with contaminated hands.
When people become infected with psittacosis, the infection usually presents with flu-like symptoms: fever, dry cough, drowsiness, headache and nausea. Usually a large amount of mucus is released in the form of a wet cough or runny nose. Without treatment, ornithosis in humans can develop into severe pneumonia. If you start treatment at an early stage, the disease goes away without consequences.
There is no vaccine for psittacosis.
Thus, if your “wavy” pet or animal has symptoms characteristic of ornithosis, you should immediately contact the specialists so as not to become the next victim of the disease.
At present, ornithosis is diagnosed in our region by Tverskaya MVL. The laboratory specialists establish the diagnosis of the disease on the basis of a complex of epizootological data, the clinical picture, pathological changes and the results of laboratory studies conducted using the molecular biological method – polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
It should be noted that PCR is superior to all biochemical and enzyme immunoassay methods for laboratory diagnosis of infection, as it allows to determine single copies of the DNA of the pathogen in the studied sample of clinical material with the help of currently produced test systems for the detection of Chlamydophila psittaci, which have 100% specificity and sensitivity 10 copies of DNA per 1 ml of sample.
Material for research on ornithosis are:
– in case of lifetime diagnosis: bird droppings, scraping of mucous membranes (conjunctiva, cloacae of birds and animal urogenital tract), urine and frozen sperm of animals, aborted fetuses;
– in case of post-mortem diagnosis: parenchymal organs of animals and birds.

And remember: ornithosis is one of those infections that do not tolerate delay, because you can become a victim of the disease!

Come! Specialists of FSBI “Tverskaya MVL” are always ready to help!

KNOW THE VIRUS “IN THE FACE”,

KNOW THE VIRUS “IN THE FACE”

What is the difference between influenza and SARS?

To maintain immunity:

• take multivitamins

• Eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C

• Get outdoors more often

! Influenza is dangerous for its complications.

These are:

– pneumonia,

– otitis media,

– cerebral edema,

– pulmonary edema,

– glomerulonephritis (kidney damage),

– pronounced decrease in immunity .

REMEMBER!

• It is dangerous to carry any viral disease “on your feet”! This is fraught with complications.
• At the first sign of illness, stay home and call your doctor.
• You can’t go to work sick! This way you are still exposing your colleagues to the risk of infection.
• Self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences and complications.

Appreciate yourself and be healthy!

THE MINIMUM OF IMPORTANT ACTIONS WILL REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF INFLUENCE AND SARS.

Transmission of infection occurs from a sick person not only by airborne droplets (when coughing and sneezing), but also by household contact (through dishes, towels, with a handshake).

A person is contagious one day before clinical manifestations and one week after feeling better.