The bronchial tubes that carry air to and from your lungs are affected by acute bronchitis, a common condition. It causes inflammation and mucus production. In this blog post, we will discuss how to prevent, recognize, and treat acute bronchitis, which usually lasts a few days to a few weeks and often follows a cold or other respiratory infection.
Causes of Acute Bronchitis
The most common cause of acute bronchitis is a viral infection, such as the common cold or the flu. The virus invades your bronchial tubes and triggers an immune response that causes inflammation and mucus production. Acute bronchitis can be caused or complicated by bacteria, especially if the immune system is weakened or you suffer from chronic lung disease.
Some factors that can increase your risk of getting acute bronchitis are:
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Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke.
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Having asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung conditions.
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Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic acid reflux.
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Being exposed to air pollution, dust, or chemical fumes.
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Having allergies or sinus problems.
Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis
The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a persistent cough that brings up mucus. Mucus may be clear, white, yellow, green, or blood-stained. The cough may be dry or productive, which means that it produces mucus. Several days to several weeks may pass before the cough stops.
Other symptoms of acute bronchitis may include:
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Chest discomfort or pain.
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Shortness of breath or wheezing.
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Fever or chills.
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Sore throat or hoarseness.
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Runny or stuffy nose.
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Headache or body aches.
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Fatigue or weakness.
Diagnosis of Acute Bronchitis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history by your doctor in order to diagnose acute bronchitis. As well as listening to your lungs with a stethoscope, they may also perform some tests to rule out other possible causes of your cough, including pneumonia, asthma, or chronic lung disease. These tests include:
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Chest X-ray: This is an imaging test that uses radiation to create pictures of your lungs and chest. It can show if you have pneumonia or any other lung problems.
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Sputum culture: This is a test that analyzes the mucus that you cough up to identify the type of bacteria or virus that may be causing your infection.
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Blood tests: These are tests that measure the levels of certain cells, proteins, or substances in your blood. They can show if you have an infection or inflammation in your body.
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Pulse oximetry: This is a test that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood using a device that clips onto your finger. It can show if your lungs are working properly.
Treatment of Acute Bronchitis
While most cases of acute bronchitis do not require any treatment and will go away on their own within a few weeks, there are some things you can do to relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery. These include:
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Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and thin out the mucus in your lungs.
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Rest as much as possible to allow your body to heal.
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Use a humidifier or a steam inhaler to moisten the air and loosen the mucus in your chest.
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Gargle with warm salt water or use throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat.
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Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) to reduce fever and ease chest pain.
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Take over-the-counter cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin®, Delsym®) or expectorants such as guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin®) to control your cough. However, do not use cough suppressants if you have a productive cough, as they can make it harder to clear the mucus from your lungs.
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Avoid smoking or being around smoke, as it can worsen your symptoms and delay your healing.
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Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and irritate your throat.
Occasionally, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat acute bronchitis resulting from bacteria or to prevent complications like pneumonia. Antibiotics, however, are not effective against viral infections and should not be taken unless necessary. Your doctor may also prescribe bronchodilators to relax the muscles in your airways and make breathing easier. A nebulizer or inhaler is commonly used to administer these medications.
Prevention of Acute Bronchitis
In order to prevent acute bronchitis, you should avoid getting sick in the first place. Here are some tips on how to do that:
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To kill germs, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow and dispose of the tissue properly.
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Unwashed hands can transfer germs from your hands to your eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Do not contact people who are sick or have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as coughing, sneezing, or fever.
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Annually get vaccinated against the flu and against other diseases that can cause respiratory infections, such as pertussis (whooping cough) or pneumococcal disease.
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To boost your immune system, eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
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Improve your blood circulation, lung function, and overall health by exercising regularly.
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Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and hobbies can help you manage your stress levels.
It is a common and usually mild condition that causes you to cough and produce mucus in your lungs. If you have any questions or concerns about acute bronchitis, speak to your doctor. It usually goes away on its own in a few weeks, but you can take some steps to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.
