What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an infection that causes irritation and inflammation of the bronchi. The tracheal branch emerges from both sides of the trachea. They lead to smaller and smaller airways called bronchioles inside your lungs. The walls of the bronchi secrete mucus so that dust and other particles do not cause irritation.

In most cases of bronchitis, an infection infects the airways and causes more mucus to be secreted. The body tries to expel this mucus by coughing.

What are the Types of Bronchitis?

It is divided into acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a temporary inflammation of the bronchi. It can take up to three weeks. Most people can be infected, but it is more common in children under the age of five. It is more common in winter after flu, cold, sore throat. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a disease that causes profuse coughing every day, lasting at least three months of the year for at least two consecutive years. It mainly affects adults over the age of forty. The chemicals in cigarettes and cigarette smoke make bronchitis worse and can cause you to have COPD. Quitting smoking is very important for chronic bronchitis patients.

What Are the Symptoms of Bronchitis?

Prolonged cough Cough with mucus Dry cough Wheezing when breathing Fever Fatigue Pain and pain Runny nose Headache Painful throat What Causes Bronchitis? You often get bronchitis from a virus. However, almost anything that irritates your airways can cause it. Infectious and non-infectious causes of bronchitis are: Viral bronchitis: Viruses that cause bronchitis include influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, rhinovirus (cold), and coronavirus. Bacterial bronchitis: Bacteria that cause bronchitis include Bordetella pertussis, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and Chlamydia pneumonia. Bronchitis caused by air pollution: Smoking etc. Is bronchitis contagious? Bronchitis itself is not contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that can cause it are. How Is Bronchitis Treated? Acute bronchitis is not usually treated with medications. If you have the flu and symptoms have started within the past two days, your doctor may prescribe antivirals to help it pass more quickly. Because bronchitis is almost never caused by bacteria, antibiotics will not help improve and may even make you feel worse. Antiviral medications: If the flu is the cause of bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. You may feel better more quickly if you start taking antiviral medications soon after your symptoms start. Bronchodilators: If you have trouble breathing, your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator (a medicine that helps open the airways). Anti-inflammatory drugs: Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids and other medications to reduce inflammation. Cough suppressants: Over-the-counter or prescription cough suppressants can help with an irritating cough.