Acute Bronchitis - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Prevention & Cure

Bronchitis is a condition in which you may face swelling and irritation in your air passages or bronchi. When the cells present in the bronchi lining are irritated due to dust or some chemicals, the tiny hair that act as guard stop working and the passage becomes blocked. These bronchial tubes connect trachea with lungs and thus it results in lack of oxygen to the lungs.

Bronchitis can be defined as the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that pass the air into the lungs. It may also be the inflammation in the bronchi that produces redness, swelling and pain and as a result blockage of the air ways. In simple terms, bronchitis is the inflammation and damage of the bronchial system. There are various types of bronchitis.

It is the sudden inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree which comprises the windpipe and the bronchi, typically associated with the upper respiratory tract infection like common cold and flu. Often caused by virus or bacteria, it lasts a short time.

In patients with lung or heart disease it may become chronic and cause pneumonia.

Causes of Acute Bronchitis

The most common virus associated with bronchitis is influenza virus type A and B that causes influenza, and rhinovirus, parainfluenza and coronavirus that cause common cold. Viral and bacterial infections may also lead to bronchitis with whooping cough and congestion.

• Acute bronchitis may also be caused due to
• Polluted air
• Allergies
• Lack of vaccination or immunization
• Smoking
• Exposure to chemicals

Symptoms Of Acute Bronchitis

• Runny nose and cough
• Painful and labored breathing
• Low grade fever
• Congestion
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Malaise, discomfort and feeling of being unwell

Diagnosis

• Blood test
• Chest X-ray
• Lung test
• Sputum cultures

Prevention

• Good hygiene can lower the risk of viral infection leading to bronchitis
• Immunization against influenza and petrussis
• Avoiding cigarettes and smoking
• Avoiding pollution and chemical inhalation

Treatment

• It is necessary to take plenty of fluids to reduce congestion and lower the risk of dehydration.
• Tylenol can be taken for fever and pain.
• Antibiotics are also given to relieve congestion.
• Gemiflaoxacin mesylate (FACTIVE) has been approved to treat drug-resistant bacterial bronchitis. However side effects like nausea and diarrhea may also result.
• Rest is very beneficial in acute bronchitis.

If the symptoms last for more than 3 weeks, doctor should be consulted as prolonged illness may lead to failure of lungs. It is not very difficult to avoid the bacteria and the virus that cause the bronchitis. With proper hygiene and oral care, bronchitis can be easily cured as well as avoided.