Bronchitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed. People with this condition often cough up thick, sometimes discolored, mucus. Bronchitis appears in two main forms: acute and chronic.
Acute bronchitis typically develops from colds or respiratory infections. Often called a chest cold, it usually resolves within 7–10 days, though the cough may persist for several weeks. This form is quite common among the general population.
Chronic bronchitis is more serious and develops gradually. It involves ongoing irritation or inflammation of the bronchial tube lining, frequently caused by smoking.
This condition requires medical attention, especially if bronchitis episodes occur repeatedly. Chronic bronchitis is classified as one of the conditions within chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The symptoms, causes, and treatments differ between these two types of bronchitis, with chronic bronchitis typically needing more intensive and long-term management approaches.
Signs and Symptoms
Acute bronchitis often begins with symptoms similar to a cold. You may experience:
- Persistent cough
- Mucus production (clear, white, yellowish-gray, or green)
- Sore throat
- Mild headache and body aches
- Low-grade fever and chills
- Feeling tired
- Chest discomfort
- Breathing difficulties and wheezing
While most symptoms improve within about a week, the cough may continue for several weeks afterward.
People with chronic bronchitis typically show different patterns:
- Long-lasting cough
- Regular mucus production
- Ongoing fatigue
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
Chronic bronchitis is a condition characterized by a productive cough that lasts for at least three months and recurs for two consecutive years.
If you have chronic bronchitis, you might notice times when your symptoms get worse. It’s also possible to develop an acute infection on top of chronic bronchitis.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Contact your healthcare provider if your cough:
- Comes with a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
- Brings up blood
- Makes breathing difficult or causes wheezing that gets worse
- Appears with serious symptoms like pale skin, bluish lips or nail beds, or confusion
- Continues for more than three weeks
Your healthcare provider can give you guidance on preparing for your appointment before your visit.
Causes
Acute bronchitis typically stems from viral infections, usually the same viruses responsible for common colds and influenza. These highly contagious viruses spread primarily through respiratory droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk.
Virus transmission can also occur through indirect contact. This happens when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face, particularly your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Common routes of infection:
- Inhaling respiratory droplets from infected individuals
- Touching contaminated surfaces, then touching your face
- Close contact with sick people
Antibiotics are generally ineffective against bronchitis because they don’t combat viruses, the most frequent cause of the condition.
For chronic bronchitis, cigarette smoking stands as the leading cause. Environmental factors also play a significant role, including:
- Air pollution
- Workplace exposure to dust
- Toxic gas inhalation
These irritants damage the airways over time, leading to the persistent inflammation characteristic of chronic bronchitis.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chance of getting bronchitis:
- Smoking and secondhand smoke: People who smoke cigarettes or live with smokers face higher risks for both acute and chronic bronchitis.
- Weakened immune system: This can happen due to recent illnesses like a cold or ongoing health conditions. Seniors, babies, and young children are more vulnerable.
- Workplace irritants: Working around certain substances like grain dust, textile particles, or chemical fumes increases bronchitis risk.
- Acid reflux: Frequent severe heartburn can irritate your throat, making you more likely to develop bronchitis.
Risks and Long-Term Concerns
A single case of bronchitis is typically not serious. However, in some people, it can develop into pneumonia if not properly treated.
The more concerning issue is when bronchitis happens repeatedly. Multiple episodes may indicate a more serious condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Preventing Bronchitis
To lower your chances of getting bronchitis, take these important steps:
Get Vaccinated Yearly
- Annual flu vaccines help protect against influenza. Influenza often leads to acute bronchitis.
- Ask your healthcare provider about pneumonia vaccinations that might benefit you.
Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap isn’t available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Limit Exposure to Illness
- Keep distance from people with respiratory infections or flu symptoms.
- Avoid crowded places during peak illness seasons.
Stay Away From Smoke
- Cigarette smoke significantly increases chronic bronchitis risk.
- Avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.
Use Protective Equipment
- Consider wearing a face mask in dusty or fume-filled work environments.
- Discuss appropriate protective gear with your employer.
- Wear masks in crowded places to reduce exposure to respiratory infections.
