What is bronchitis?

• Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs
• It causes swelling and mucus buildup, making breathing difficult
• It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting and recurring)

What causes bronchitis?

• Viral infections (most common cause of acute bronchitis)
• Bacterial infections (less common)
• Long-term exposure to irritants (main cause of chronic bronchitis), such as:
– Cigarette smoke
– Air pollution
– Dust or chemical fumes

What are the types of bronchitis?

• Acute bronchitis – often develops from a cold or flu and lasts for a few days to weeks
• Chronic bronchitis – a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); symptoms last for at least 3 months a year, for 2 consecutive years

Who is at risk for bronchitis?

• Smokers or former smokers
• People with asthma, allergies, or chronic lung diseases
• Those exposed to pollutants or workplace irritants
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Children, infants, and the elderly

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

• Persistent cough with mucus (clear, white, yellow, or green)
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Low-grade fever and chills (mainly in acute bronchitis)
• Fatigue
• Sore throat or body aches (in early stages)

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

• Physical exam and medical history
• Listening to lung sounds with a stethoscope
• Chest X-ray – to rule out pneumonia
• Sputum test – checks for signs of infection
• Pulmonary function tests – to assess for chronic bronchitis or COPD

What is the treatment for bronchitis?

• Acute bronchitis:
– Rest and fluids
– Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
– Cough suppressants (if needed for sleep)
– Inhalers (if wheezing is present)
– Antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection is suspected)

• Chronic bronchitis:
– Bronchodilators – to open airways
– Steroids – reduce airway inflammation
– Oxygen therapy – for advanced cases
– Pulmonary rehabilitation – breathing exercises and education
– Lifestyle changes – quitting smoking, avoiding triggers

What are the complications of bronchitis?

• Pneumonia
• Repeated lung infections
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Breathing difficulties and reduced quality of life (in chronic cases)

How can bronchitis be prevented?

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Get vaccinated – flu shot, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines
• Practice good hygiene – wash hands regularly
• Wear a mask in polluted or dusty environments
• Strengthen the immune system – eat healthy, exercise, and rest well
• Manage chronic conditions like asthma or GERD properly

When should you see a doctor?

• Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Coughing up blood or thick mucus
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Symptoms that worsen instead of improving