Bronchitis, Acute
What is it?
Acute bronchitis occurs when an irritant or infection causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which narrow the air passages. When the cells lining the airways are irritated beyond a certain point, the tiny cilia (hairlike projections) that normally trap and eliminate foreign matter stop working properly. Excess mucus is produced, which clogs air passages further and produces the characteristic heavy cough of bronchitis. Attacks of acute bronchitis are common and generally, symptoms disappear spontaneously within a few days.However, attacks may be a major health threat to people with chronic lung disease, the elderly and the very young.
What Causes It?
- Viral infections (including the common cold and flu) are the most common cause of acute bronchitis. Bacterial infections may also lead to bronchitis.
- Irritants including chemical fumes, dust, smoke, or other air pollutants may provoke an attack.
- Smoking, asthma, poor nutrition, cold weather, congestive heart failure, and chronic pulmonary disorders may increase the risk of an acute attack.
Prevention
- Don't smoke; try to avoid secondhand smoke.
- People at increased risk should avoid exposure to potentially irritating airborne particles, such as dust, and avoid exercise on poor air-quality days.
Diagnosis
- Patient history and physical examination are needed.
- Chest x-rays, sputum samples, or blood tests may be taken to rule out other lung disorders.
How to Treat It
- Take aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain.
- Take an over-the-counter cough suppressant containing dextromethorphan if you have a persistent dry cough that disrupts your sleep or normal activities. However, if you are coughing up sputum, suppressing the cough may encourage mucus accumulation in the lungs, potentially leading to serious complications.
- Stay in a warm room. Inhale steam, use a humidifier, or take frequent hot showers to loosen phlegm.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help thin mucus and make it easier to expel.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacterial infection is suspected.
- Smokers should abstain from cigarettes.
When to Call a Doctor
- Call a doctor if symptoms do not ease within 36 to 48 hours, or if episodes of acute bronchitis recur.
- Call a doctor if you suffer from a lung disease or congestive heart failure and are experiencing symptoms of acute bronchitis.
- Call a doctor if during an attack of bronchitis you cough up blood, become short of breath, or have a fever above 102°F.
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Copyright © 2008 Medletter Associates, LLC
Content excerpted from Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference.