What are the key differences between acute and chronic bronchitis. How can you recognize the symptoms of bronchitis. When should you consult a doctor for a persistent cough. What are the main risk factors for developing chronic bronchitis. How can you manage and prevent bronchitis symptoms.

Recognizing the Signs: Is Your Cough a Sign of Bronchitis?

Coughing is a common bodily function that usually doesn’t indicate a serious health issue. However, when a cough persists for several days, it might be a sign of bronchitis – an inflammation of the breathing airways known as bronchi. Understanding the symptoms and types of bronchitis can help you determine when to seek medical attention and how to manage the condition effectively.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. This condition can be categorized into two main types: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Each type has distinct characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches.

Acute Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Management

Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory condition that typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. It’s important to recognize its symptoms and understand how to manage them effectively.

What are the primary symptoms of acute bronchitis?

The most common symptom of acute bronchitis is a persistent cough that may last 10 to 20 days. Initially, the cough is often dry but later produces mucus. Other symptoms may include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is typically caused by viral infections, often the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu. It’s more prevalent during cold weather months when these viruses are more common. In rare cases, bacteria can also cause acute bronchitis.

How is acute bronchitis managed?

Since acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, it generally resolves on its own within 4 to 8 weeks. To alleviate symptoms:

1. Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes
2. Take acetaminophen for fever and discomfort
3. Use a humidifier to ease breathing
4. Avoid irritants like smoke or strong fragrances

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

Chronic Bronchitis: A Long-Term Respiratory Condition

Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management. It’s classified as a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?

Chronic bronchitis is typically diagnosed when a person has a productive cough lasting at least three months of the year for two consecutive years. This persistent cough is often accompanied by increased mucus production and difficulty breathing.

What are the main causes of chronic bronchitis?

While there can be multiple factors contributing to chronic bronchitis, including genetic predisposition, the primary modifiable risk factor is cigarette smoking. Dr. Meeker emphasizes, “The strongest risk factor is smoking.” Other potential causes include:

• Occupational exposures (e.g., livestock farming, mining, concrete manufacturing)
• Long-term exposure to air pollution
• Repeated respiratory infections

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bronchitis

While many cases of bronchitis can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Understanding these scenarios can help ensure timely and appropriate care.

When should you consult a doctor for bronchitis symptoms?

Dr. Meeker advises seeking medical attention in the following situations:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Persistent high fever
• Cough lasting more than three weeks
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
• Wheezing or chest pain

For chronic bronchitis, Dr. Meeker states, “Any chronic, productive cough warrants evaluation by a doctor, especially if there’s shortness of breath. That’s because lung function needs to be evaluated to make sure there’s no obstructive disease.”

Preventing Bronchitis: Vaccination and Lifestyle Changes

While not all cases of bronchitis can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition.

How can you reduce your risk of acute bronchitis?

To lower your chances of developing acute bronchitis:

1. Get vaccinated against illnesses that can trigger bronchitis (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19)
2. Practice good hand hygiene
3. Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections
4. Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke

What lifestyle changes can help prevent chronic bronchitis?

The most crucial step in preventing chronic bronchitis is to avoid smoking. As Dr. Meeker emphasizes, “If there was no smoking, it wouldn’t prevent all cases of chronic bronchitis, but it would prevent a lot of them.” Other preventive measures include:

• Avoiding exposure to air pollutants and irritants
• Using protective gear in hazardous work environments
• Maintaining good overall health through diet and exercise
• Getting vaccinated against respiratory infections

Managing Bronchitis Symptoms: Home Remedies and Medical Treatments

While there’s no cure for bronchitis, various strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, especially for those with chronic bronchitis.

What home remedies can help alleviate bronchitis symptoms?

Several home remedies can provide relief from bronchitis symptoms:

• Stay hydrated to thin mucus and ease coughing
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Try honey to soothe throat irritation from coughing
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort and fever
• Avoid irritants like smoke, strong fragrances, and pollutants

What medical treatments are available for chronic bronchitis?

For chronic bronchitis, medical treatments may include:

1. Bronchodilators to open airways
2. Inhaled or oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
3. Oxygen therapy for severe cases
4. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
5. Antibiotics for bacterial infections

Dr. Meeker notes, “If there is obstruction, the patient may benefit not only from treating the cough but from using inhalers to help open their airways.”

Understanding the Impact of Bronchitis on Overall Health

Bronchitis, particularly in its chronic form, can have significant implications for overall health and quality of life. It’s crucial to understand these impacts to manage the condition effectively and prevent complications.

How does chronic bronchitis affect daily life?

Chronic bronchitis can impact daily life in several ways:

• Reduced physical activity tolerance due to shortness of breath
• Frequent coughing fits that may disrupt sleep and daily activities
• Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
• Potential for anxiety or depression due to chronic symptoms
• Need for ongoing medical management and lifestyle adjustments

What are the potential complications of untreated bronchitis?

If left untreated, bronchitis can lead to several complications:

1. Pneumonia
2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
3. Respiratory failure in severe cases
4. Increased risk of heart problems due to reduced oxygen levels
5. Weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to other infections

These potential complications underscore the importance of proper management and regular medical follow-ups for individuals with chronic bronchitis.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Bronchitis Development

While personal habits like smoking play a significant role in bronchitis development, environmental factors also contribute to the risk and severity of the condition.

How do environmental pollutants affect bronchitis risk?

Environmental pollutants can increase the risk of developing bronchitis and exacerbate symptoms in those who already have the condition. Key environmental factors include:

• Air pollution from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust
• Occupational exposures to dust, chemicals, and fumes
• Secondhand smoke
• Indoor air pollutants like mold, pet dander, and cleaning products

What steps can be taken to reduce environmental risks?

To minimize environmental risks associated with bronchitis:

1. Use air purifiers in your home, especially if you live in a high-pollution area
2. Ensure proper ventilation in your living and working spaces
3. Wear protective gear if your occupation exposes you to irritants
4. Advocate for clean air policies in your community
5. Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days

By addressing these environmental factors, individuals can reduce their risk of developing bronchitis and manage existing symptoms more effectively.

Bronchitis in Special Populations: Children and Elderly

Bronchitis can affect people of all ages, but it presents unique challenges in certain populations, particularly children and the elderly. Understanding these differences is crucial for appropriate management and care.

How does bronchitis manifest in children?

Bronchitis in children often presents differently than in adults:

• More likely to be caused by viruses
• May be accompanied by higher fevers
• Can lead to wheezing, especially in younger children
• May exacerbate existing conditions like asthma
• Recovery time can be shorter than in adults

What special considerations exist for bronchitis in the elderly?

Elderly individuals with bronchitis require special attention due to:

1. Increased risk of complications due to weakened immune systems
2. Higher likelihood of having other chronic health conditions
3. Potential for more severe symptoms and longer recovery times
4. Greater risk of developing pneumonia
5. Possible interactions between bronchitis treatments and other medications

For both children and the elderly, close monitoring and prompt medical attention are crucial when bronchitis symptoms arise.

The Future of Bronchitis Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As medical science advances, new approaches to treating and managing bronchitis are being explored. These emerging therapies offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals with bronchitis.

What new treatments are being developed for bronchitis?

Several promising areas of research are focusing on novel treatments for bronchitis:

• Targeted anti-inflammatory medications
• Gene therapy for chronic bronchitis
• Advanced mucus-thinning drugs
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiles
• Stem cell therapies for lung repair

How might future research change our approach to bronchitis management?

Ongoing research could lead to significant changes in bronchitis management:

1. Earlier detection methods for chronic bronchitis
2. More effective prevention strategies
3. Improved understanding of the genetic factors influencing bronchitis susceptibility
4. Development of new, more effective inhaler technologies
5. Enhanced rehabilitation techniques for improving lung function

While these advancements are promising, it’s important to remember that current best practices, including avoiding smoking and managing environmental exposures, remain crucial in bronchitis prevention and management.

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.