Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that occurs when the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages that carry air to the lungs, become inflamed. In this article, we will discuss the different types of bronchitis, symptoms, causes, treatment, and management options available.

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition when the lining of your bronchial tubes, which move air to and from your lungs, swells up. Bronchitis patients frequently cough up thick mucus that may be discolored.

Acute bronchitis is an extremely common condition that generally results from a cold or other such respiratory illness. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious condition that is commonly brought on by smoking. It is characterized by a continuous irritation or inflammation of the bronchial tube lining.

What are the Types of Bronchitis?

Bronchitis can be classed as infectious or non-infectious, depending on whether it is caused by a pathogen (such as a virus or bacteria) or by non-infectious factors such as smoking or environmental irritants. There are two primary types of bronchitis:

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is often brought on by a viral infection and disappears on its own in a few weeks. Most of the patients with acute bronchitis don't require any sort of medical attention.

Chronic Bronchitis

If you cough up mucus on a regular basis for three months out of the year, you may have chronic bronchitis. This continues for a minimum of 2 years.

You might have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) if you have recurrent bronchitis. Consult your healthcare practitioner to determine whether you need a COPD test.

What are the Symptoms of Bronchitis?

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort
• Formation of sputum with blood stains, which occasionally has the colours clear, white, grayish-gray, or green.

You can experience the same symptoms like a cold such as a minor headache or body aches if you have acute bronchitis. You may experience these symptoms for up to a week, although a persistent cough may last longer.

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough with a minimum duration of three months and a recurrence of at least two years. There may be instances when the cough or other chronic bronchitis symptoms worsen. At such times, in addition to an acute illness, you could also have chronic bronchitis.

What are the Causes of Bronchitis?

Acute Bronchitis is the result of the same viruses that give you a cold or the flu. But occasionally, germs are the cause.

In just like cold or flu, here also your bronchial tubes are enlarged and produce more mucus because your body is battling the pathogens. This can make it more difficult to breathe because you have smaller airflow holes.

What are the Treatments Available for Bronchitis?

Medication is typically not used to treat acute bronchitis. Your doctor may prescribe antivirals if you have the flu and your symptoms started within the last two days in order to hasten the recovery process.

Antibiotics won't make you feel better because bronchitis is almost never caused by germs, and they could even make you feel worse.

To cure your bronchitis, your doctor is likely to advise against taking any medications. Utilising medications, you may in some cases be able to treat the underlying cause or lessen symptoms, such as:

• Antiviral Medications : In case flu is the root cause of your bronchitis, your doctor may advise taking a usualvantiviral drug such as Rapivab, Relenza, or Tamiflu. These medications can help you feel better faster but if you start taking them as soon as your symptoms appear.
• Bronchodilators : If you're having problems breathing, your doctor might recommend a bronchodilator (a medication that helps open your airways).
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications : To treat inflammation, your doctor may advise corticosteroids and other drugs.
• Cough Suppressants : Antitussives, or cough suppressants, are available over-the-counter and by prescription. This includes benzonatate (Lupin's Benz Pearls, ) and dextromethorphan (Benadryl DR, Ascoril D 12).
• Antibiotics : If your doctor doesn't think you have a bacterial infection, it's quite unlikely you'll get antibiotic treatment for bronchitis.
• COPD/Asthma Treatment : Your doctor may prescribe extra drugs or breathing treatments for chronic bronchitis if you have COPD or asthma.

Most of the time, using antibiotics won't help you recover from bronchitis. Antibiotics are used to eliminate illness-causing microorganisms. In 95% of cases, a virus is the cause of bronchitis and antibiotics are of no use when it comes to virus.

How to Manage Bronchitis?

Bronchitis symptoms can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication and rest. Breathing can be made easier by using a humidifier or having a warm shower. Acetaminophen (Ultracet) or ibuprofen (Brufen 400) can be used to treat the aches and pains associated with a viral infection.

FAQs

What is the main cause of bronchitis?

Airway inflammation brought on by viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19 viruses, is the usual cause of acute bronchitis. A bacterial infection can occasionally result in acute bronchitis.

How serious is bronchitis?

Even though a single bout of bronchitis typically doesn't require medical attention, in certain cases it might result in pneumonia. However, recurrent bronchitis may indicate the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Can we eat rice with bronchitis?

Rice, parboiled rice, whole wheat flour, wheat flour, brown bread, Bengal gramme daal, chickpeas, kidney beans, arhar daal, and toor daal are among the cereals and cereal products.

What food should be avoided in bronchitis?

Steer clear of milk products, alcohol, and caffeine. Attempt natural cures like mullein tea, vitamin C, zinc, garlic, spicy foods, and over-the-counter saline nose spray.

Is milk not good for bronchitis?

Avoid dairy items like milk, butter, and cheese since they cause the respiratory system's mucus secretion to increase.

Is hot food good for bronchitis?

If you can, consider eating spicy foods like cayenne pepper, jalapenos, horseradish, wasabi, hot mustard, or hot sauce. Spice effectively acts as explosive for amassed mucus and bronchial secretions, clearing the airways and facilitating easier breathing.