What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a condition in which tiny airways in the lung become narrowed and blocked due to inflammation of lungs.
Bronchitis is usually divided into:

1. Acute bronchitis, and
2. Chronic bronchitis

Acute Bronchitis:

When the bronchial tubes become infected, they swell and thick fluid (called mucus) starts forming. This can make breathing difficult, and you may cough up mucus or produce a wheezing sound while breathing.
   
People who smoke or work in an area where damaging chemical fumes are present in the atmosphere, are more at risk of catching an infection, since their bronchial tubes are already weak due to smoking or inhaling these fumes.

• Treatment of acute bronchitis:

Acute bronchitis is often caused by a virus and antibiotics may not improve it. This type of infection will usually clear up on its own within a few days or weeks.
In some cases, your Doctor may advise that you use inhalers and/or steroids to help open and clear the bronchial tubes.
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People who smoke should stop smoking, as it will allow the bronchial tree to heal faster.

Chronic bronchitis:

This is an inflammation or irritation of the bronchial tubes. Chronic bronchitis is a serious long-term disorder that requires regular medical treatment. Symptoms include:

• Persistent cough producing yellow, white, or green phlegm
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Symptoms tend to get worse if you get a cold or a chest infection Tobacco smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis.

Also people who are exposed to chemical fumes, dust and other substances, are at higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis.
If your Doctor thinks that you are suffering from chronic bronchitis, he may conduct certain tests. You may have to do a pulmonary function test, where you breathe into a machine that measures the amount of air in your lungs, to see how well your lungs are working. Besides these test you may also be advised to have some blood tests and a chest x-ray.

• Treating chronic bronchitis:

Antibiotics are only given to treat any bacterial infection that you get with the chronic bronchitis. Your GP may give you an inhaler containing a bronchodilator, which is used to open and dilate the airways in your lungs.

Your GP may suggest you take steroids, either as tablets or inhalers, particularly at times when the bronchitis gets worse.
Rarely some patients will need treatment with home oxygen.

How can I have stronger and healthier lungs?

The most important thing is to stop smoking. Remember it is never too late to stop smoking.
Regular exercise and working out strengthens the muscles of your lungs. Try to plan your work out schedule, starting slowly and then proceeding further. You should get advice from you GP regarding exercise specifically meant for strengthening and improving your breathing

When should I see my Doctor?

You must immediately visit your GP if you experience any of the following:

• A persistent or severe cough that interferes with your sleep and other daily activities.
• Cough causing persistent chest pain that may be damaging sensitive air sacs in your lungs.
• Symptoms continue for more than a week, mucus turning darker and thicker or increasing in volume.
• Blood in your mucus.
• Great difficulty breathing.

Written by Medpages Editorial Team
Last Editorial Review: 15/1/2010