What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that affects the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages that carry air to and from the lungs. It is characterized by inflammation and swelling in the bronchial tubes, which can lead to symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest congestion, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, but can also be caused by exposure to irritants such as pollution or smoking.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis?
The most common symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Persistent cough: One of the most common symptoms of bronchitis is a persistent cough. This cough may be productive, meaning it brings up phlegm, or non-productive, meaning it does not bring up phlegm.
- Chest congestion: Another common symptom of bronchitis is chest congestion. This can make it difficult to breathe and may cause a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Wheezing: Another symptom of bronchitis is wheezing. This is a whistling sound that is heard when breathing and is caused by narrowed air passages.
- Difficulty breathing: Bronchitis can make it difficult to breathe, especially during physical activity. This is due to the inflammation and narrowing of the air passages.
- Fever and chills: Some people with bronchitis may also have a fever or chills.
- Fatigue: The condition of bronchitis can leave people feeling tired and weak.
- Chest pain: bronchitis can cause chest pain.
Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, sore throat, and headaches. It’s important to note that some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms.
If you suspect you have bronchitis, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In severe cases, bronchitis may lead to more serious respiratory problems such as pneumonia, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Distinguishing acute and chronic bronchitis symptoms
Acute bronchitis is a short-term infection that typically lasts for a few weeks and is caused by viral or bacterial infections. The symptoms of acute bronchitis include:
- Persistent cough that can be productive (coughing up phlegm) or non-productive (dry cough)
- Chest congestion
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Slight fever or chills
- Fatigue
Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition that typically lasts for several months or even years. It is caused by prolonged exposure to irritants such as smoking, pollution, and other environmental factors. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
- Persistent cough that is often productive (coughing up phlegm)
- Chest congestion
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Bluish tint to the skin, nails, or lips
- Swelling in the legs and feet
It’s important to note that some people with chronic bronchitis may have no symptoms, but they have a continuous cough and frequent respiratory infections.
Distinguishing between acute and chronic bronchitis is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Acute bronchitis is typically treated with over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and pain relievers, and in some cases, antibiotics. Whereas, chronic bronchitis may require long-term treatment with medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to irritants.
How diagnosis of bronchitis is done?
Diagnosis of bronchitis typically begins with a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing and other signs of bronchitis. They may also ask you about your symptoms, such as the duration of your cough and whether you are coughing up phlegm.
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order diagnostic tests such as:
- Chest X-ray: This can help rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer.
- Spirometry: This test measures how well you can breathe by measuring the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and how quickly you can exhale.
- Peak flow meter: this test measures how well air flows through your bronchial tubes by measuring the maximum amount of air you can forcefully exhale.
- Sputum culture: this test checks for the presence of bacteria or viruses in a sample of mucus coughed up from your lungs.
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a bronchoscopy, a procedure that uses a thin tube with a light and camera on the end to examine your bronchial tubes.
It’s essential to be aware that bronchitis can be acute or chronic, and it’s caused by either viral or bacterial infections, pollution, or smoking. Therefore, a proper diagnosis is crucial for an appropriate treatment plan to be set up.
