A man is suffering from a mild cough that keeps him up for most of the night. He also has a slight fever for which he has been taking over the counter medicines. He does not have any history of lung disease or heart disease. His vital signs are all normal. Physical examination is normal except for a mild cough and some wheezing. Consequently, the doctor diagnosed him with acute bronchitis.
Respiration: The basics
The air that is inhaled through the nose and mouth passes through a wind pipe, also known as the trachea, which then splits into two branches known as bronchi, or airways, or bronchial tubes. As the bronchi progress through the lungs, they divide into smaller tube segments known as bronchioles. The bronchioles further divide and culminate in sac-like balloons known as alveoli; the total number of alveoli in the body is estimated to be 300 million. Alveoli are surrounded by mesh-like blood vessels known as capillaries, where oxygen from alveoli is transferred to the blood. Additionally, waste gases, such as CO2 and water vapor, are passed to alveoli from where they are exhaled out. Oxygen is then transported to all cells of the body through the blood.
Understanding bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the airway lining. Common symptoms of bronchitis include cough with phlegm (mucus produced by the airways), wheezing, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis are the two main types of bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis is a condition that lasts for a short duration of time, typically between few days to 10 days. However, the cough may remain for several weeks after the infection has cleared. This condition is typically caused by respiratory infections or other irritants, including smoke, dust, and fumes. Certain viruses, such as cold and flu viruses can lead to the development of acute bronchitis. Viruses are transmitted through air and physical contact.
Chronic bronchitis refers to a long-term, more severe condition in which the airways are continuously inflamed or irritated. It is a condition in which a person has cough with mucus for at least three months of the year and for two years in a row. Smoking is the primary contributor to chronic bronchitis, as the inhalation of smoke causes irritation of the airways lining, resulting in the formation of mucus. Additionally, individuals with this condition can also be infected with viruses and bacteria, further exacerbating the symptoms.
Symptoms
Acute bronchitis is characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing that produces mucus that is yellow or green in colour. It may also cause chest pain, fatigue, sore throat, and fever.
Causes
Acute Bronchitis is a condition in which the airways become inflamed and swollen due to viruses. This inflammation leads to an increase in the production of sputum. It takes time for the body to fight off the viruses and repair the damage caused to the airways tubes. This condition may be caused by the same viruses that are responsible for cold and flu, as well as other airborne pollutants.
Treatment
The objective of acute bronchitis treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve breathing. To recover from acute bronchitis, follow the below steps.
- Avoid exertion
- Good nutrition and hydration
- Use humidifiers
- Take prescribed fever and pain medications
In certain cases, medications may be prescribed. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating acute bronchitis caused due to viral infections. It is not recommended to suppress productive cough, as it assists the body in eliminating irritants from the airways. If the cough prevents one from sleeping, over-the-counter cough medications or cough suppressants may be prescribed.
Acute bronchitis may result in a cough that persists for several weeks or months. This is because the body is recovering from the effects of the infection and requires time to heal completely. If the cough persists for an extended period of time, it is possible that the patient is suffering from a more serious condition, such as asthma or pneumonia, that may necessitate other treatment options.
Prevention of acute bronchitis
The following measures may assist in the prevention of acute bronchitis.
- Avoid contact with individuals who may be suffering from a cold or flu.
- Avoid crowds during flu season.
- Acute bronchitis can be caused due to influenza virus. Annual influenza vaccination is an effective way to protect against the flu and reduce the likelihood of developing acute bronchitis.
- Maintain hygiene and wash hands.
- Wear a mask around individuals who are sneezing or coughing.
Outlook
Acute Bronchitis is a serious respiratory condition. It is important to consult a physician if the cough persists for an extended period of time, if one’s normal sleep patterns are disrupted, or if they have other underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing acute bronchitis, such as practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with individuals who are suffering from the common cold or flu.
