ACUTE BRONCHITIS DISEASE - LEARN ABOUT ACUTE BRONCHITIS CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TYPES AND HOW ARE ACUTE BRONCHITIS TREATED

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tree. The bronchial tree is made up of the tubes that carry air into your lungs. When these tubes get infected, they swell and mucus (thick fluid) forms inside them. This makes it hard for you to breathe.

What causes acute bronchitis?

The usual cause is an infection due to a virus. The viruses responsible for acute bronchitis include those that might otherwise only cause a cold, but in bronchitis they spread further down the respiratory tree. The bronchial lining, already damaged by this infection, is then open to secondary attack by bacteria.

People who have underlying lung problems, such as chronic (ie long-standing) bronchitis, are more likely to get acute bronchitis as their lung defence mechanism against infection is lower than normal. Smoking is the commonest reason for this to happen. Although much less common, exposure to irritant fumes and dust can be a cause of acute bronchitis.

What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?

The symptoms of acute bronchitis can include:

• Sore throat;
• A cough that may bring up yellow or green mucus;
• Fever;
• Chest congestion;
• Wheezing;
• Shortness of breath;
• Chills;
• Body aches.

How does acute bronchitis affect the bronchi?

Viruses or bacteria cause inflammation in the respiratory passages, which results in:

• irritation of the respiratory passages, causing a cough;
• the swelling of the mucous membrane (lining) of the bronchi, along with the increased production of mucus makes the airways narrower, leading to a wheeze;
• an increased production of mucus (phlegm);

The inflammation can lead to fever, fatigue, coloured spit and a general feeling of ill-health.

How do people get acute bronchitis?

The viruses that cause acute bronchitis are sprayed into the air or onto people’s hands when they cough. You can get acute bronchitis if you breathe in these viruses. You can also get it if you touch a hand that is coated with the viruses.

If you smoke or are around damaging fumes (such as those in certain kinds of factories), you are more likely to get acute bronchitis and to have it longer. This is because your bronchial tree is already damaged.

» Learn more: Acute Bronchitis

Reviewed by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP

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