What Helps When You Have Bronchitis?

Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the air-carrying tubes in the lungs (bronchioles). The condition is often associated with persistent, nagging coughs with mucus. The condition often starts as an infection of the nose, throat, ears, or sinuses that later moves to the bronchi.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic:

• Acute bronchitis: It is a short-term condition. It is usually caused by a viral infection. Smoking may initiate or worsen the symptoms. Bacterial infection may occasionally cause acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually goes away in a week or two. The symptoms may at times last for three weeks.
• Chronic bronchitis: It is less common compared with acute bronchitis. It is defined as cough productive of sputum, lasting for three months of the year for at least two consecutive years. It may block the airflow in the lungs and is classified as a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Chronic bronchitis may begin as cough and inflammation caused by a respiratory infection or illness, exposure to tobacco smoke, or other irritants in the air.

Bronchitis is usually caused by viral infections. It may occasionally result due to bacterial infections. Certain conditions such as asthma and obesity may make a person more likely to get bronchitis.

Smokers are more likely to get bronchitis. The risk is relatively higher in female smokers than in male smokers.

A history of childhood lung diseases is associated with a high risk of bronchitis.

Exposure to environmental pollutants, dust, and second-hand smoke increases the risk of bronchitis. 

People who have allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, a type of digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the food pipe), or a family history of bronchitis are more likely to get bronchitis.

The commonest symptom of bronchitis is a persistent cough with mucus production. Other symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever that is usually low grade
• Wheezing (a high-pitched, coarse whistling sound when a person breathes)
• Feeling sick or having a lack of energy
• Chest discomfort or pain

Acute bronchitis may be contagious because it is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. You may get the infection from the affected person when they sneeze or cough. You may also get the infection if you touch a contaminated object and then touch your face without washing your hands. 

Chronic bronchitis is usually not contagious because it results from a long-term irritation of the airways.