What are the main symptoms of bronchitis. How can you differentiate between acute and chronic bronchitis. What treatments are available for managing bronchitis symptoms. When should you see a doctor for a persistent cough.

Understanding Bronchitis: An Overview of Respiratory Inflammation

Bronchitis is a common 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, with coughing being the most prominent. While occasional coughing is normal, persistent coughing that lasts for several days may indicate bronchitis.

There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Each type has distinct characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches. Understanding the differences between these types can help individuals better manage their symptoms and seek appropriate medical care when necessary.

Acute Bronchitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Duration

Acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically caused by viral infections. This form of bronchitis is more common during cold weather months when viruses are more prevalent.

Key Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis:

• Persistent cough lasting 10 to 20 days
• Initially dry cough that progresses to produce mucus
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Occasionally accompanied by fever

Does acute bronchitis require medical treatment. In most cases, acute bronchitis resolves on its own within four to eight weeks. However, there are instances when medical attention is necessary:

• If shortness of breath becomes severe
• When a persistently high fever accompanies the cough
• If symptoms worsen or persist beyond the expected duration

To alleviate symptoms of acute bronchitis, doctors recommend:

1. Drinking plenty of fluids with electrolytes
2. Taking acetaminophen for fever and discomfort
3. Getting ample rest to support the body’s healing process

Chronic Bronchitis: A Long-Term Respiratory Concern

Chronic bronchitis is a more serious, long-lasting form of bronchitis classified as a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is not caused by viral infections and persists over an extended period.

How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed. Doctors typically diagnose chronic bronchitis when a patient experiences a productive cough lasting at least three months of the year for two consecutive years.

Primary Causes of Chronic Bronchitis:

• Cigarette smoking (the strongest modifiable risk factor)
• Occupational exposures (e.g., livestock farming, mining, concrete manufacturing)
• Potential genetic factors

Chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While there is no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention

Distinguishing between a common cough and bronchitis can be challenging. However, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation:

• Chronic, productive cough (especially with shortness of breath)
• Cough accompanied by severe shortness of breath
• Persistent high fever
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
• Symptoms that interfere with daily activities or sleep

Why is early evaluation important for chronic cough. Early assessment allows doctors to evaluate lung function, rule out other serious conditions, and initiate appropriate treatment if necessary. For chronic bronchitis, this may include prescribing inhalers to help open airways and improve breathing.

Prevention Strategies for Bronchitis

While not all cases of bronchitis can be prevented, several measures can reduce the risk of developing both acute and chronic forms of the condition:

1. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
2. Get vaccinated against influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19
3. Practice good hand hygiene to prevent viral infections
4. Use protective equipment in occupations with high exposure to irritants
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall respiratory health

Can vaccines prevent bronchitis. While vaccines don’t directly prevent bronchitis, they can reduce the risk of infections that may lead to acute bronchitis or exacerbate chronic bronchitis symptoms.

Treatment Approaches for Bronchitis

Treatment for bronchitis varies depending on whether it’s acute or chronic and the severity of symptoms. Here are some common approaches:

Acute Bronchitis Treatment:

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
• Humidifiers to ease breathing
• Avoiding irritants like smoke or strong odors

Chronic Bronchitis Treatment:

• Bronchodilators to open airways
• Inhaled or oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Oxygen therapy for severe cases
• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation

Are antibiotics effective for treating bronchitis. Antibiotics are generally not recommended for acute bronchitis as it’s typically caused by viruses. However, in some cases of chronic bronchitis or when a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Living with Chronic Bronchitis: Management and Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, long-term management is crucial for maintaining quality of life and preventing exacerbations. Here are some strategies for living with chronic bronchitis:

1. Adhere to prescribed medication regimens
2. Participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs
3. Practice breathing exercises to improve lung function
4. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
5. Avoid triggers and irritants, especially cigarette smoke
6. Stay up-to-date with vaccinations
7. Manage stress through relaxation techniques

How can pulmonary rehabilitation help chronic bronchitis patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs provide education, exercise training, and support to help patients improve their breathing, increase physical endurance, and better manage their condition.

The Impact of Smoking on Bronchitis Development and Progression

Smoking is the single most significant risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis and exacerbating symptoms of both acute and chronic forms of the condition. The harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system include:

• Damage to cilia in the airways, impairing the body’s natural cleaning mechanism
• Increased mucus production, leading to congestion and coughing
• Inflammation of the bronchial tubes
• Reduced lung function over time
• Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Can quitting smoking reverse bronchitis damage. While quitting smoking cannot completely reverse the damage done to the lungs, it can significantly slow the progression of chronic bronchitis and improve overall respiratory health. The benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately and continue to accrue over time.

For smokers diagnosed with bronchitis, quitting is the most important step in managing the condition and preventing further complications. Healthcare providers can offer various smoking cessation resources, including:

1. Nicotine replacement therapy
2. Prescription medications to reduce cravings
3. Counseling and support groups
4. Behavioral therapy techniques

Bronchitis in Special Populations: Children, Elderly, and Immunocompromised Individuals

While bronchitis can affect anyone, certain populations may experience unique challenges or require special considerations in diagnosis and treatment:

Bronchitis in Children:

Children, especially young children, may be more susceptible to acute bronchitis due to their developing immune systems and smaller airways. Symptoms in children may include:

• Persistent cough that may worsen at night
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue and irritability
• Chest discomfort or pain

Parents should seek medical attention if their child experiences difficulty breathing, high fever, or symptoms that persist beyond 1-2 weeks.

Bronchitis in the Elderly:

Older adults may be at higher risk for complications from bronchitis due to age-related changes in lung function and potential comorbidities. Special considerations for the elderly include:

• Increased risk of developing pneumonia
• Potential interactions between bronchitis treatments and existing medications
• Need for closer monitoring of symptoms and recovery

Bronchitis in Immunocompromised Individuals:

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, may be more susceptible to severe bronchitis and complications. These individuals should:

• Seek medical attention promptly at the onset of symptoms
• Be vigilant about prevention strategies, including vaccinations
• Work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition

How does bronchitis management differ for these special populations. Treatment approaches may need to be tailored to account for age-related factors, potential drug interactions, and the overall health status of the individual. Close monitoring and early intervention are often key in preventing complications in these vulnerable groups.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Bronchitis Treatment

As our understanding of bronchitis continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Some promising areas of research include:

1. Development of more targeted anti-inflammatory medications
2. Investigation of novel bronchodilators with fewer side effects
3. Exploration of gene therapy approaches for chronic bronchitis
4. Advancements in pulmonary rehabilitation techniques
5. Research into the role of the microbiome in respiratory health

What potential breakthroughs might we see in bronchitis treatment. While it’s difficult to predict specific outcomes, ongoing research aims to improve long-term management of chronic bronchitis, reduce exacerbations, and potentially develop treatments that can reverse some of the damage caused by the condition.

As research progresses, individuals with bronchitis may benefit from:

• More personalized treatment plans based on genetic and environmental factors
• Improved diagnostic tools for earlier detection and intervention
• Enhanced strategies for preventing the progression from acute to chronic bronchitis
• Better understanding of the interplay between bronchitis and other respiratory conditions

Staying informed about these developments and discussing them with healthcare providers can help patients make informed decisions about their care and potentially access new treatments as they become available.

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.