What Is Bronchitis? What Causes Bronchitis?

The bronchial tubes, or bronchi, connect the windpipe to the lungs. When the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed or infected, the condition is called bronchitis. Bronchitis reduces the amount of air and oxygen that can flow into the lungs and causes a heavy mucus or phlegm to form in the airways.

Bronchitis is considered to be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is a shorter illness that commonly develops after a cold or viral infection such as the flu. It generally consists of a cough with green sputum, chest discomfort or soreness, fever, and sometimes shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis usually lasts a few days or weeks.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent, mucus-producing cough on most days of the month, three months of a year for two successive years in absence of a secondary cause of the cough. People with chronic bronchitis have varying degrees of breathing difficulties, and symptoms may get better and worsen during different parts of the year.

What causes bronchitis?

Bronchitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, and other particles that irritate the bronchial tubes.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection in the bronchi - often the same viruses that causes cold and flu. Bronchitis is actually part of the immune response to fighting against the infection, since additional swelling occurs in the bronchial tubes as the immune system's actions generate mucus. In addition to viruses, bacteria, exposure to tobacco smoke, exposure to pollutants or solvents, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause acute bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is most commonly caused by cigarette smoking. However, it can also be the result of continuous attacks of acute bronchitis. Air pollution, dust, toxic gases, and other industrial fumes are known to be responsible for the condition.

Who gets bronchitis?

People at increased risk of getting bronchitis and increased risk of having more severe symptoms include:

• Smokers
• People who are exposed to a lot of secondhand smoke
• People with weakened immune systems
• The elderly and infants
• People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Those who are exposed to irritants at work, such as chemical fumes from ammonia, strong acids, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide or bromine

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Signs and symptoms for both acute and chronic bronchitis include:

• Inflammation or swelling of the bronchi
• Coughing
• Production of clear, white, yellow, grey, or green mucus (sputum)
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Blocked or runny nose

Acute bronchitis usually results in a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks even after the bronchitis resolves. Chronic bronchitis's long-term inflammation leads to scarring of the bronchial tubes and airways, which leads to production of excessive mucus. Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include frequent respiratory infections and a cough that is worse in the mornings and in damp weather.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

In addition to an examination of family and personal medical histories, there are several tests that are used to diagnose bronchitis. If a doctor hears wheezing or abnormal sounds when listening to your lungs with a stethoscope, he or she will often order chest X-rays. A pulmonary lung function test using a device called a spirometer may be employed to check for asthma or emphysema. Physicians will also order an analysis of sputum (material coughed up from lungs) called a sputum culture, which can reveal the type of bacteria, if any, that is present in your body. Additional tests include blood tests and oxygen saturation measurements.

Video: What is Chronic Bronchitis?

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How is bronchitis treated?

People suffering from bronchitis are usually instructed to rest, drink fluids, breath warm and moist air, and take over-the-counter cough suppressants and pain relievers in order to manage symptoms and ease breathing. Many cases of acute bronchitis actually may go away without any specific treatment, but there is no cure for chronic bronchitis.

To keep bronchitis symptoms under control and relieve symptoms, doctors may prescribe:

• Antibiotics - these are effective for bacterial infections, but not for viral infections. They may also prevent secondary infections.


• Cough medicine - one must be careful not to completely suppress the cough, for it is an important way to bring up mucus and remove irritants from the lungs.


• Bronchodilators - these open the bronchial tubes and clear out mucus.


• Mucolytics - these thin or loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up sputum.


• Anti-inflammatory medicines and glucocorticoid steroids - these are for more persistent symptoms.


• Pulmonary rehabilitation program - this includes work with a respiratory therapist to help breathing.

Additional behavioral remedies include:

• Avoiding tobacco smoke and quitting smoking
• Using a humidifier
• Cold-air face masks (if cold air aggravates cough)
• Pursed-lip breathing (to slow breathing)

How can bronchitis be prevented?

Bronchitis is a somewhat preventable disease. Prevention methods include:

• Avoiding tobacco smoke and exposure to second hand smoke
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding people who are sick with colds or the flu
• Getting a yearly flu vaccine
• Getting a pneumonia vaccine (especially for those over 60 years of age)
• Washing hands regularly
• Avoiding cold, damp locations or areas with a lot of air pollution
• Wearing a mask around people who are coughing and sneezing