Overview

Bronchitis is condition which is caused due to inflammation of the air passages which lets air into the lungs. It may be chronic or acute. Sometimes it affects nasal passages, sinuses and bronchial tubes.

Types

There are two most common types of bronchitis known, acute and chronic. The Chronic bronchitis last for a longer time, it may last for a a period of 1-2 month or sometime even for a year. While many patience overcome from acute bronchitis within day.

Acute bronchitis is an infection or inflammation of the bronchial passage linings which let the air to enter and leave the lungs. It may lead to coughing, but its not a lung infection like pneumonia. However if bronchitis is not treated in time it may lead to pneumonia. Acute bronchitis generally starts with infection in nose, sinuses or throat. It is mainly caused by bacterial virus. Children, Elder peoples, smokers and lung or heart patience are more prone to acute bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is also called obstructive lung disease as it causes long time obstruction of the airway passages caused due to inflammation. Chronic bronchitis is always caused by smoking, or prolonged exposure to pollution, dust or large amount of grains. Smoking is the main cause of disease and they are ten percent more likely to get affected by it in comparison to others.

Symptoms

Though cough is the common symptom in both types of bronchitis, but other symptoms caused due to them varies.

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

• Dry Cough or Phlegum
• Fatigue
• Sore Throat
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

• Coughing or Phlegum
• Breathlessness
• Blue-Tinged Lips
• Swelling in Feet and Legs

Causes

The causing agent for both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis are different. A bacterial infection is the main cause of the acute bronchitis while smoking mainly develops chronic disease. Exposure to dust or pollution for a prolonged period may also lead to chronic bronchitis. The main causing agents for both includes

• Smoking
• Exposure to Smoke
• Working in Stuffy Atmosphere
• Drugs Usage
• Exposure to Pollution of Dust
• Higher Dose Of Medicine
• Unbalanced Diet
• Unrest
• Stress

Tests

Doctor may diagnose bronchitis on the basis of symptoms and physical examinations. Pnemonia patient can be further diagnosed for bronchitis by taking X-rays.

Treatment

Mild bronchitis may disappear by themselves, although the cough may stay for a longer period. If proper care and medication is not taken, chronic bronchitis may develop in a pneumonia or other server medical conditions. If suspected of bronchitis visit your doctor soon to prevent further server lung infections.