Understanding Bronchitis

Bronchitis Slideshow

• What is bronchitis?
• What causes bronchitis?
• When does a cold become bronchitis?
• Should I call my doctor about a cough?
• What are the symptoms of bronchitis?
• Should I call my doctor about bronchitis?
• Can I treat bronchitis at home?
• How do I know if I have bronchitis?
• What are the treatments for bronchitis?
• Bronchitis - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Bronchitis - Length Symptoms Lasted

Featured bronchitis patient discussions on symptoms experienced and treatment relief "I have bronchitis and I’m coughing up blood in my sputum. When I brush my teeth, my cough is strange; it’s strained, and I can smell or feel a burning taste. I have had it for two months or more now and have had one course of amoxil antibiotics. I do not like my Ventolin puffer; I do not feel that is does anything for me." "I have had bronchitis for about four weeks now. My coughing gets really bad at night and the only thing that seems to help is a warm bath. I have a humidifier in my room, and I have been given antibiotics, but neither one seems to work. I hope it passes soon because it’s worse than a cold or flu because it seems as if it lasts forever." "I have chronic bronchitis with COPD. I don't think it really goes away; only the symptoms become less and seem to go away, but the cough is still there. When I have the flare-ups, it comes on that day, and I feel miserable. This last one included fluid in my ear, which is not a normal thing, only once in a while. I am wheezing, but I got the steroid shot, flu shot, and pneumonia vaccine today. I got 10 mg of prednisone, and I’m taking Mucinex, Advair, and Xopenex. I have to admit, I’m feeling better." Read All Comments on Bronchitis » Top Searched Bronchitis Terms: symptoms, contagious, chronic, acute, green sputum, asthmatic, treatment, copd, emphysema Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment. See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease in which the mucous membrane in the lungs' bronchial passages becomes inflamed. As the irritated membrane swells and grows thicker, it narrows or shuts off the tiny airways in the lungs, resulting in coughing spells accompanied by thick phlegm and breathlessness. The disease comes in two forms: acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) and chronic (reoccurring frequently for more than two years). In addition, people with asthma also experience an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes called asthmatic bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is responsible for the hacking cough and phlegm production that sometimes accompany an upper respiratory infection. In most cases the infection is viral in origin, but sometimes it's caused by bacteria. If you are otherwise in good health, the mucous membrane will return to normal after you've recovered from the initial lung infection, which usually lasts for several days.

Chronic bronchitis is a serious long-term disorder that often requires regular medical treatment.

If you are a smoker and come down with acute bronchitis, it will be much harder for you to recover. Even one puff on a cigarette is enough to cause temporary paralysis of the tiny hair like structures in your lungs, called cilia, that are responsible for brushing out debris, irritants, and excess mucus.

If you continue smoking, you may do sufficient damage to these cilia to prevent them from functioning properly, thus increasing your chances of developing chronic bronchitis. In some heavy smokers, the membrane stays inflamed and the cilia eventually stop functioning altogether. Clogged with mucus, the lungs are then vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, which over time distort and permanently damage the lungs' airways. This permanent condition is called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Your doctor can perform a breathing test, called spirometry, to see if you have developed COPD.

Acute bronchitis is very common among both children and adults. The disorder often can be treated effectively without professional medical assistance. However, if you have severe or persistent symptoms or if you cough up blood, you should see your doctor. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, you are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems as well as more serious lung diseases and infections, you should be monitored by a doctor.

Bronchitis - Length Symptoms Lasted

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How long did the symptoms of your bronchitis last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief?

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