Acute Bronchitis 

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can affect people of all ages, particularly during cold and flu seasons. This condition is usually caused due to viral or bacterial infection and can be very difficult to manage as it inflames the bronchial tubes of a person. The signs of acute bronchitis include wheezing cough, sneezing, fever, and many more - and can be troubling for some. Hence, taking care of it is crucial to prevent it from developing into more severe respiratory issues. Acute bronchitis treatment, mostly, does not include any antibiotics - as it is usually viral. So to chart out a treatment plan, doctors usually diagnose the condition first. 

Also, it is advisable to follow preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding tobacco smoke, and staying up-to-date with vaccinations can help reduce the risk of acute bronchitis. Understanding this common respiratory ailment is essential for maintaining overall health. 

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes - which carries air to the lungs, become inflamed and swollen. Thus, causing nagging cough and mucus. When you breathe, air makes its way to your bronchial tubes in the lungs, causing inflammation followed by shortness of breath, and low fever. 

Bronchitis can be acute and chronic: 

• Acute Bronchitis: It usually lasts for 10 days, but coughing can continue for at least 2-3 weeks. 
• Chronic Bronchitis: They usually last several weeks, and is most common in people with asthma and emphysema. 

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

Here are the common acute bronchitis symptoms - 

• Sore throat 
• Runny nose 
• Tiredness 
• Sneezing 
• Wheezing 
• Feeling cold 
• Back and muscle spasms 
• Fever (around 100 degree Fahrenheit to 100.4 degree Fahrenheit) 

After the initial symptoms, people usually develop a cough, which lasts from 10 days to three weeks. This cough will be dry at first and then become productive. This produces more mucus, which might change color, from green or yellow. This does not mean your infection is bacterial or viral, it simply means - your immune system is at work. 

Causes of Acute Bronchitis 

Acute bronchitis can be brought on by bacterial and viral infections, the environment, and other lung disorders. Here are some of the other acute bronchitis causes: 

• Virus infection: 85-95 percent of adult cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses. Acute bronchitis can be brought on by the same viruses that cause the flu or the common cold. 
• Bacterial infection: Rarely, a viral bronchitis infection might lead to the development of bacterial bronchitis. Bacteria including Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which cause whooping cough, can induce infections that lead to this. 
• Irritants: Inhaling in irritants like smog, smoke, or chemical fumes can lead to bronchial tube and tracheal inflammation. Acute bronchitis may result from this. 

Also, acute bronchitis can occasionally develop in people who have asthma or chronic bronchitis. It's unlikely that these patients have acute bronchitis, as it is not caused due to infection. 

Treatment of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis usually does not need treatment, but it requires some attention. If not attended properly, it might take the way to chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis treatment depends on the cause of bronchitis - meaning, if it is caused due to bacteria or virus. This is because antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infection. The treatment plan could consist of: 

• Sleeping properly 
• Drinking plenty of water 
• Utilizing a saline spray or nasal drops to inhale steam from a shower or bowl 
• Eating lozenges to ease the mucus and cough 
• Consume honey to treat cough 

Drugs available without a prescription at a pharmacy are recommended. However, it is better to consult a doctor before purchasing a cough syrup. 

Acute bronchitis medication may alleviate symptoms. Adults experiencing headaches or migraines over the age of six months may find relief from symptoms with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. 

Note - Always take these prescriptions as directed by your physician or the pharmacy label. Before beginning a new medicine and regarding any other issues regarding the treatment of acute bronchitis, see a physician. 

Risk Factors 

The following variables raise the risk of developing acute bronchitis - 

• Consuming smoke from cigarettes, including secondhand smoke 
• A weak immune system or inadequate resistance to disease 
• Regular contact with allergens, such as dust or chemical fumes Lack of whooping cough, pneumonia, and flu shots 
• People older than 50 years 
• Gastric reflux 

Complications of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis can occasionally lead to more serious complications. These complications may arise due to prolonged inflammation, secondary infections, or exacerbation of underlying conditions. Here are the main complications: 

• Pneumonia 
• Chronic bronchitis 
• Exacerbation of asthma or COPD 
• Respiratory failure 
• Sepsis (in severe cases) 
• Pleural effusion 
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) 
• Secondary bacterial infections 

When to See a Doctor? 

It is advisable to see a doctor if the person experience any of the emergency symptoms: 

• Unexplained weight loss 
• Chest pain 
• A deep, barking cough 
• Trouble sleeping 
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher 
• A cough lasting longer than 10 days 

Preventing Acute Bronchitis 

Preventing acute bronchitis is crucial for maintaining respiratory health and avoiding potential complications. It reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions and improves overall quality of life. 

Acute bronchitis prevention measures include: 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face or eating. 
• Avoid tobacco and other lung irritants. 
• Stay up-to-date with flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines to prevent respiratory infections. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep to boost your body's defenses. 
• Minimize exposure to irritants like dust, chemical fumes, and strong odors that can trigger bronchial inflammation. 
• Drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory tract moist and help thin mucus. 
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with sick individuals. 
• Wear a mask and distance from people. 
• Use sanitizer. 

Home Remedies for Acute Bronchitis

Here are some home remedies for acute bronchitis that will help people relieve the symptoms: 

• To relieve your painful throat, take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). 
• To add moisture to the air, get a humidifier. Breathing will become easier if you do this to help release mucus from your chest and nasal passages. 
• To thin down mucus, consume plenty of liquids, such as tea or water. It becomes simpler to cough it up or expel it through your nose as a result. 
• Add ginger to boiling water or tea. Inflamed and irritated bronchial passages can be relieved by the natural anti-inflammatory properties of ginger. 
• If you have a cough, take some dark honey. In addition to being antiviral and antibacterial, honey also eases sore throats. 
• If the symptoms and complications do not go away in 8 to 10 days, it is advisable to see a doctor for a better treatment plan. 

Conclusion 

Acute bronchitis is a transient cold in the chest. Usually, a viral infection is to blame. Breathing becomes challenging frequently due to the bronchial tubes swelling and producing mucus due to the infection. 

In addition, it may result in fever, congestion, and cough. If you get symptoms like a high fever or blood in your cough, see a doctor. Speaking with a medical expert may be beneficial for people who have acute bronchitis frequently. Adopting some practices, like not smoking, wearing a mask, and frequently washing your hands, can help prevent severe bronchitis. Usually, it disappears on its own.

FAQs

Q1. How long does acute bronchitis last? 

Ans. Acute bronchitis, also known as chest cold, lasts for up to 2 weeks. However, coughing during bronchitis might last up to 8 weeks in some people. 

Q2. Is bronchitis a chest infection? 

Ans. Bronchitis is indeed a chest infection caused due to a virus or bacteria, and usually spreads when a person coughs or sneezes. 

Q3. Is acute bronchitis contagious? 

Ans. Acute bronchitis can spread easily. This is due to the fact that it is brought on by a transient infection that is contagious. The virus can spread through mucus droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or speaking. 

CARE Medical Team

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