Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. Bronchitis, but most especially acute bronchitis is common in different parts of the world. According to data collected by Wikipedia, it says that “about 5% of adults and 6% of children have at least one episode a year.” Although chronic bronchitis isn’t as common as acute bronchitis, it still remains a significant health concern, especially among people who smoke, who have been exposed to a long time of air pollutants.
Types of Bronchitis
When the bronchial tubes are inflamed, they swell up and produce mucus. This mucus causes an intense cough, tightness in the chest area, coupled with difficulty in breathing. This condition can be gotten from an infection like a cold or flu, or by breathing in bad air.
However, bronchitis is of two types: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis: This type of bronchitis is usually for a short period of time, usually lasting for a few days to a few weeks. Most of the time, this particular type is caused by viruses such as the virus causing colds and flu.
It would typically come in the form of a cough that won’t quit, maybe with some mucus. You might also feel super tired, have a mild fever, or even a sore throat.
The good thing about acute bronchitis is that it usually gets better on its own.
Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis
- Persistent cough, often with mucus
- Feeling very tired or worn out
- Mild fever (your body temperature would either be warm or hot)
- Sore throat
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Shortness of breath, especially after coughing
Chronic bronchitis: This type lasts for a long time with its symptoms lasting for at least three months, which can happen over two years in a row. Mainly, chronic bronchitis is from smoking or breathing in bad air for a really long time. This type of bronchitis is actually a type of a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In chronic bronchitis, the cough it comes with brings out mucus, it causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and constant tiredness. It usually gets worse during cold weather or when you catch a cold. Chronic bronchitis can’t be cured but there are a couple of treatments used to manage symptoms.
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
- Cough that produces mucus (lasting for months).
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Feeling tired all the time
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Frequent colds or the flu
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (usually in more severe cases)
Causes of Bronchitis
Viral Infection: Bronchitis can be caused by the flu-causing virus. When you catch a virus in this case, the flu virus, it affects your bronchial tubes causing it to swell and produce mucus. This mucus is the body’s way of trying to get rid of the virus. But instead, you end up with several cough episodes and shortness of breath.
Bacterial Infection: Sometimes, bronchitis can be caused by bacteria, which is not as common as the virus. If you’re already sick or have other lung issues, you’re more likely to get it from a bacterial infection. How this happens during the period after which you’ve been sick with maybe a cold or flu. The bacteria can sometimes sneak in and cause an infection in your bronchial tubes. This is because your body is already worn out from fighting the virus, so it’s easier for the bacteria to take over.
Exposure to Irritants: Breathing in cigarette smoke, air pollution, or harsh chemicals can irritate your lungs. These irritants can cause damage to the lining of your bronchial tubes over time, making them swell up and producing mucus.
This irritation of the lungs can lead to chronic bronchitis especially if you’re exposed to these irritants a lot. You don’t necessarily have to be a smoker to get it. Just being around smoke or living in a polluted area can put you at risk.
Weakened Immune System: The immune system is the body’s defense system which helps it fight back germs. But sometimes, the immune system can get weak due to stress, some autoimmune conditions, or because you’re just too old or too young. This makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to cause this, because the body is not as strong to fight them off.
Genetic Predisposition: Lastly, some people are just more likely to get bronchitis because it runs in their family. If your parents or grandparents had lung diseases, you might inherit genes that make your bronchial tubes more sensitive to irritants or infections.
Bottom Line
If you’re having a hard time breathing, of your chest hurts when you breathe, you should see the doctor. The same goes for a cough that just won’t go away after a few weeks. And if you ever cough up blood, that’s a cause for concern, you should see the doctor.
