What is Acute Bronchitis ?
Acute Bronchitis is a contagious viral infection affecting the lungs' lower respiratory system. It is swelling of the large airways (bronchial tubes) along with mucus production. The swelling narrows the lung airways, which makes it difficult to breathe. Acute bronchitis symptoms are present for a short time.
It is mainly observed in the winter but can occur at any time of the year. The most vulnerable age group to getting chest infections are infants, young children, and the elderly. Other factors that can trigger Bronchitis in people are smoking, other lung problems, air pollution, lung irritants, etc. A chest cold treatment may often require a multimodal approach, and therapy strategies might change based on the patient's health history.
Symptoms
The symptoms of acute bronchitis are:
- Coughing out the mucus that is clear, yellow, or green
- Chest congestion or tightness
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
When to see a doctor?
Most bronchitis patients can treat themselves at home with rest, anti-inflammatory medicines, and drinking lots of water. But if you are experiencing severe symptoms then you should visit a doctor: Seek medical help if you have bronchitis symptoms along with lung or heart issues.
Causes
Acute bronchitis can be caused by bacterial and viral infections, environmental causes, and other lung diseases.
Viral infection
It is the main cause of acute bronchitis. The bronchitis can be brought on by the same viruses that lead to the common cold or flu.
Bacterial infection
In very few situations, viral bronchitis can progress to bacterial bronchitis. This can result from infections with bacteria such as Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia, pneumonia, and Mycoplasma pneumonia (which causes whooping cough).
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of acute bronchitis include:
- Age
- Gastric reflux
- Having chronic heart or lung diseases, such as congestive heart failure, COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.
- Having a weak immunity
- Smoking cigarettes and inhaling secondhand smoke
- Exposure to irritants regularly and inhaling them can inflame the trachea and bronchial tubes. Examples of such substances are smoke, smog, and chemical fumes.
Prevention
All cases of acute bronchitis cannot be prevented. But quitting smoking and being vaccinated against the flu can lower the risk of bronchitis and its consequences.
Diagnosis
Taking medical history and physical exams may frequently identify acute bronchitis. Screening can be performed to rule out conditions like pneumonia or asthma. Any of the following tests might be used to support the diagnosis:
- Chest X-rays: A test that generates images of internal organs, bones, and tissues, including the lungs, using invisible radiation beams.
- Arterial blood gas: Carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the blood are measured using an arterial blood gas test.
- Pulse oximetry: It is a painless test that measures the blood's oxygen content.
- Sputum test: The patient's cough is tested for virus and bacterial organisms.
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Pulmonary function tests can help evaluate lung function.
Treatment
Acute bronchitis is less severe, exists for short periods and rarely causes complications. The symptoms often resolve on their own, with the lungs resuming their normal functions.
Usually, antibiotics are not required to treat acute bronchitis, and that’s because viruses cause most infections, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses. If bronchitis has advanced to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary.
The treatment focuses on treating the symptoms and may include:
- Humidifying the air
- Taking cough Suppressants
- Bronchodilators
- Antiviral medications
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Increased fluid intake
- Pain and fever-reducing medicines
- Quitting smoking
- Staying away from secondhand smoke
Do's and Don’ts
The highly contagious infection known as acute bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial passageways. When they are infected, these tubes expand and produce mucus, a sticky fluid. The symptoms are breathing problems, coughing, fever, etc. By following the dos and don'ts, it is easy to manage the condition and symptoms.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Take plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated. | Go out in cold or damp weather |
| Avoid smoky environments | Delay in getting medical care if your symptoms worsen. |
| Eat healthy diet | Smoke and inhale second hand smoke |
| Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of infection. | Come in close contact with sick people |
| Take flu vaccination | Touch contaminated surfaces |
Following the above tips will ease your pain and decrease complications.
Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to the patients with compassion and care. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of Restless Leg Syndrome based on which a dedicated treatment plan is designed. We have an excellent team of Neurologists who diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision that brings successful treatment outcomes.
