What is asthmatic bronchitis?

Asthmatic bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes carrying the air inside the lungs (bronchitis) that occurs because of asthma (a medical condition in which the airways become swollen and narrowed and may produce excess mucus). Although there is currently no cure for asthmatic bronchitis, it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Medications are taken by mouth or inhaled and they generally act by opening up or clearing the airways.
Learning to manage flare-ups and controlling symptoms may be the best possible ways to treat asthmatic bronchitis. Below are six common ways to treat asthmatic bronchitis.
Bronchodilators: salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol, ipratropium, and theophilline
- These drugs can dilate (relax) the bronchioles (smooth muscle of the airways) and allow better airflow through the lungs.
Steroids: beclomethasone, budesonide, and fluticasone
- Both oral and inhaled corticosteroids are used to treat asthmatic bronchitis.
- They may reduce swelling in the airways. These are generally used for immediate relief of acute symptoms.
- The common side effect of these medications is the suppression of the immune system.
Treating secretions: guaifenesin
- Excess mucus is a complication of asthmatic bronchitis and can increase breathing difficulties.
- It is important to keep mucous secretions thin by staying hydrated.
- Drinking a lot of fluid and using a cool-mist humidifier can thin secretions and make them easier to clear.
- Medications such as guaifenesin are used to loosen mucus secretions. Guaifenesin is available over the counter (OTC).
Leukotriene modifiers: montelukast sodium, zafirlukast, and zileuton
- These medications block chemicals that cause the airways to narrow and tighten.
Antibiotics:
- Antibiotics are used in the treatment of asthmatic bronchitis only if an active bacterial infection is identified.
Oxygen administration:
- Temporary administration of oxygen or even hospitalization may be required in very severe cases of asthmatic bronchitis, but this is usually rare.
Treatment also involves avoiding triggers by following these tips
- Wash bed linens and blankets in hot water.
- Dust and vacuum regularly.
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air filter at home.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom.
- Avoid pollutants as much as possible.
- Avoid smoking and exposure.
- Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
How do I know if I have asthmatic bronchitis?
Asthmatic bronchitis occurs when asthma and severe bronchitis co-exist. In general, asthmatic bronchitis is not contagious because the condition is generally caused by irritants, not by an infection. However, in some cases, it can be either a bacterial or viral infection. In those cases, bronchitis is contagious. Symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis are a combination of the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, which may include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Tightness in the chest or wheezing
- Excess mucus
What are the risk factors and triggers of asthmatic bronchitis?
Triggers and risk factors:
- Smoke
- People who suffer from allergies, such as hay fever, neurodermatitis, or cradle cap, have an increased risk of bronchial asthma (in response to exposure to triggers including dust, mold, or pollen).
- Chemicals
- Exercise
- Changes in the weather
- Smokers and passive smokers are also more susceptible.
- Frequent respiratory tract infections also can lead to the development of bronchial asthma.
- Risk factors may also include low birth weight and excess weight in childhood.
Bronchial asthma is separated into allergic and nonallergic (intrinsic) asthma according to its respective triggers.
- Allergic asthma: Symptoms are triggered by an allergic reaction, which means that the immune system of the affected person reacts more intensely than necessary to an often harmless substance. Allergic asthma often initially presents in early childhood and adolescence and is often explained by a hereditary predisposition.
- Intrinsic asthma: Initially presents between the ages of 30-40 years old and is caused by very different factors. Triggers may include respiratory tract infections, genetic incompatibility with certain medications, or chemical or toxic substances from the environment (smog, ozone, dust, etc.).
Asthma is prevalent in severely overweight women. Specific characteristics also are associated with asthma in smokers.

SLIDESHOW
Common Allergies: Symptoms and Signs See SlideshowHow do doctors diagnose asthmatic bronchitis?
The following tests help to diagnose asthmatic bronchitis:
- Spirometry (lung function test): This involves an examination of the quantity of inhaled and exhaled air. The doctor also examines the lungs through auscultation (the stethoscope) to determine the symptomatic breathing sounds.
- Provocation test: To detect a hypersensitive bronchial system, the patient inhales a test substance. If the bronchi respond to this stimulus by narrowing, there is hypersensitivity.
- Bronchospasm test: A lung function test is initially performed for this test. If the bronchi are constricted at this time, the patient inhales a medication to dilate the bronchi. If the measured value shows an improvement, the diagnosis is confirmed.
- Allergy test: If the connection with an allergy is suspected, then an allergy test is carried out (blood test with subsequent skin test).
- Other investigations may be performed to exclude other lung diseases.
Health News
- Women's Gymnastics Brings High Risk for Concussion
- Going Solo: Masturbation May Give Humans an Evolutionary Edge
- Longer Breastfeeding in Infancy, Better School Grades for Kids?
- Kids With ADHD, Behavior Issues Have Poorer Trajectories as Adults
- FDA Finalizes Limit on How Much Arsenic Can Be in Apple Juice
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Griffith DE, Garcia JG. "Asthmatic bronchitis." Semin Respir Infect 3.1 Mar. 1988: 27-39. PMID: 3283880. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3283880/>.
Top What Is the Treatment for Asthmatic Bronchitis Related Articles
Asthma Attack Slides
Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, headache, fatigue, dark circles under the eyes, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite. Learn asthma signs and symptoms in adults and kids so you can follow your asthma action plan and know when to seek medical care for an asthma emergency.Asthma and Your Diet: Foods That Help and Hurt
Even though there's no specific asthma diet that can help your condition, certain foods may help or harm your breathing. Learn the pros and cons of fruits, veggies, fish, and more.Asthma Medications
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC asthma drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.Asthma Myths Slideshow
What are asthma myths and facts? There is currently no cure for asthma, and no specific, single cause for asthma has been identified. Take this quiz on asthma myths to test your asthma IQ.Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.What Is Asthma? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
What is asthma? What is the main cause of asthma? Learn information about asthma, a chronic disease of the bronchiole tubes. Discover information about asthma attacks, complications of asthma, and how to control an asthma attack.Asthma Quiz
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways of the lungs, which can be managed with proper treatment. Triggered by two main causes, asthma symptoms can be brought on by environmental factors and surprising allergens.Asthma Over-the-Counter Treatment
Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.What Is the Best Medicine and Treatment for Bronchitis?
Learn what medical treatments can ease your bronchitis symptoms and help you manage this condition.COPD vs. Asthma (Differences and Similarities)
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma both have common symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. COPD is caused by tobacco smoking, while asthma is caused by your inherited genetic makeup and their interactions with the environment. Risk factors for asthma are obesity, exposure to cigarette smoke (even secondhand smoke), and personal history of hay fever. There is no cure for either disease, but symptoms can be managed with medication. A person with asthma has a better prognosis and life expectancy than someone with COPD.Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.How Can I Treat My Child's Asthma at Home?
Treatment of a child's asthma involves following an action plan developed in consultation with your child's pediatrician. Severe asthmatic attacks require immediate medical attention and treatment at the hospital.How Long Does Asthmatic Bronchitis Last?
The duration of the disease usually depends on the patient’s overall health and age. In patients with acute bronchitis symptoms may last less than 10 days. In patients with severe asthmatic bronchitis, the symptoms are recurrent and usually last between 30 days to even 2 years with flares and remissions.What Are the Three Types of Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term medical condition that causes breathing difficulties due to airway narrowing, airway swelling, and excessive mucus production in the airway. The common types of asthma include nocturnal asthma, exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, allergic asthma/seasonal asthma, as well as occupational asthma and cough variant asthma.What Is Bromelain Good For?
Bromelain is a naturally occurring substance derived from the fruit, juice and stems of pineapples. Bromelain may be good for digestion, removing dead skin cells from burns and reducing inflammation, swelling, muscle soreness, pain and nasal congestion.