Most commonly, acute bronchitis is caused by viruses. Bacterial causes are numerous, although difficult to prove because many people are colonized with bacterial pathogens in the mouth or oropharynx.
The most common suspected bacterial pathogens include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumonia.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs. Bronchitis can be classified into two categories, acute and chronic, each of which has unique etiologies, pathologies, and therapies.Acute bronchitis is characterized by the development of a cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus that is expectorated (coughed up) from the respiratory tract. Acute bronchitis often occurs during the course of an acute viral illness such as the common cold or influenza. Viruses cause about 90% of cases of acute bronchitis while bacteria account for less than 10%.[1]Chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is characterized by the presence of a productive cough that lasts for 3 months or more per year for at least 2 years. Chronic bronchitis most often develops due to recurrent injury to the airways caused by inhaled irritants. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause, followed by air pollution and occupational exposure to irritants, and cold air.From Wikipedia, the free enciclopedia
Symptoms of bronchitis typically appear within a few days to a week after exposure to irritants or infections, such as viruses or bacteria. The onset can vary depending on the individual's health, the cause of the bronchitis, and whether it's acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis often follows a cold or respiratory infection, while chronic bronchitis develops over time due to long-term exposure to irritants.
Your bronchial tubes are responsible for delivering air to your lungs. When these tubes become inflamed, mucus can build up. The coughing and shortness of breath this causes is known as bronchitis. People often develop acute bronchitis after a viral chest infection.It is important to distinguish acute bronchitis from chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually lasts less than 10 days. However the coughing can continue for several weeks after the inflammation has cleared. Chronic bronchitis can last for several weeks and usually comes back.Help Friends and Family with Their Medical Costs: Raise Money Now »Part 2 of 7: CausesCauses of Acute BronchitisThe most common cause of acute bronchitis is a viral upper respiratory infection. Both the common cold and influenza can lead to acute bronchitis. In rare cases, the bacterium that causes whooping cough can also cause acute bronchitis. This bacterium is called Bordetella pertussis.Part 3 of 7: SymptomsSymptoms of Acute BronchitisThe symptoms of acute bronchitis are not specific. They mimic symptoms of other conditions such as chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip, and pneumonia. Therefore, acute diagnosis must always be diagnosed by a doctor.Common symptoms of acute bronchitis include:chronic cough, which may continue beyond 10 days and contain clear or colored mucusshortness of breathwheezinglow-grade fever (a high fever may be an indication of a secondary infection such as pneumonia)chest painchest tightnesssore throat from persistent coughingChildren with acute bronchitis may experience:runny nosechillsback or muscle painsore throatIf you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor:unexplained weight lossdeep, barking coughdifficulty breathingchest paina fever of 100.4º F or highera cough that last more than 10 daysPart 4 of 7: DiagnosisDiagnosing Acute BronchitisIn many cases, acute bronchitis will go away on its own. There is usually no need for blood tests, X-rays, or cultures. However, if your physician is uncertain about your diagnosis, he may suggest additional testing. Tests might also be needed if your doctor thinks you have a secondary infection.Part 5 of 7: TreatmentTreatment of Acute BronchitisYou may think you need antibiotics to treat your bronchitis. However, antibiotics can not treat viral bronchitis. Therefore, you should not pressure your doctor for these drugs.Only rarely can prescription medications treat the cause of viral bronchitis. Fortunately, there are home remedies which can relieve the symptoms.Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen may soothe your sore throat.Humidifiers create moisture in the air you breathe. This can help loosen mucus in your nasal passages and chest, making it easier to breathe.Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water or tea, can help thin out mucus. This makes it easier to cough it up or blow it out through your nose.Although prescriptions are not normally used for acute bronchitis, talk to your doctor if you are wheezing or having trouble breathing. He can prescribe inhaled medication to open your airways.Part 6 of 7: PrognosisPrognosis of Acute BronchitisUsually the symptoms of acute bronchitis clear up within a few weeks. Occasionally, secondary infections can make it take longer to heal.Acute bronchitis rarely has long-term health implications.Part 7 of 7: PreventionPreventing Acute BronchitisWhen you are around people with acute bronchitis, avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. These body parts are very susceptible to infection. You should also practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and well, particularly during cold season. This can help you avoid viral infections.
There are different symptoms of pneumonia and bronchitis. Some of the symptoms are a severe cough, an infection in the lungs that cause pain and fatigue.
Yes, bronchitis can cause swollen lymph nodes. When the bronchial tubes become inflamed due to infection or irritation, the body's immune response may lead to the enlargement of nearby lymph nodes as they work to fight off the infection. This is particularly common in cases of acute bronchitis caused by viral or bacterial infections. If swollen lymph nodes persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Radon is a cause of lung cancers, not for bronchitis.
The bronchus swells in an infection called bronchitis.
A stuffy nose is not typically a symptom of bronchitis. Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, leading to coughing, chest discomfort, and sometimes shortness of breath. However, it is possible to have both bronchitis and a stuffy nose if there is a coexisting upper respiratory infection.
yes
The condition is known as bronchitis. It involves inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which can cause increased mucus production and difficulty breathing. Smoking is a common cause of chronic bronchitis.
Though it may be a cause for chronic Bronchitis, I'm sure one doesn't get it that quick.
i believe so