Disease
Bronchitis
Overview of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes the airways that carry air to the lungs. It leads to coughing, mucus production and difficulty breathing. There are two main types: acute bronchitis which is short-term and usually caused by infections, and chronic bronchitis a long term condition often linked to smoking or environmental irritants.
Types of Bronchitis
- Acute Bronchitis: Also known as a chest cold it is typically caused by viral infections and lasts for a few weeks.
- Chronic Bronchitis: A more serious and persistent form that falls under chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is often caused by smoking or long term exposure to pollutants.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
- Persistent bronchitis cough
- Symptoms of bronchitis in adults include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue
- Acute bronchitis symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, mild fever and chest cold symptoms
- Chronic bronchitis symptoms: Prolonged mucus-producing cough, wheezing and frequent respiratory infections
- Signs of bronchitis: Coughing with yellow, green or clear mucus, chest tightness
Causes of Bronchitis
- Viral bronchitis: Often caused by viruses like influenza or the common cold
- Bacterial bronchitis: Less common but occurs when bacteria infect the bronchial tubes
- Environmental factors: Pollution, dust, chemicals and allergens
- Smoking: The primary cause of chronic bronchitis
Weakened immune system making people more susceptible
Complications in Bronchitis
- Pneumonia (infection spreading to the lungs) Severe breathing difficulties Increased risk of developing chronic bronchitis Worsening of asthma or COPD
Risk Factors of Bronchitis
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke Air pollution and exposure to chemical fumes Weak immune system History of lung diseases
Frequent respiratory infections
Preventions of Bronchitis
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke Practice good hygiene to prevent infections Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia Wear a mask in polluted areas Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
Diagnosis of Bronchitis
Physical examination – Checking for wheezing, mucus buildup, and breathing difficulties Chest X-ray – To rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions Sputum test – Analyzing mucus to detect bacterial infections Pulmonary function test – Measuring lung capacity and airflow
Treatments of Bronchitis
- Home care: Rest, staying hydrated, using a humidifier
- Medications: Cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antibiotics: Only if a bacterial infection is confirmed
- Oxygen therapy: For severe chronic bronchitis cases
- Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, avoiding pollutants, and maintaining good lung health
Prognosis of Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis usually resolves within 2-3 weeks without complications.
Chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management and can lead to long term lung damage.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Expert Pulmonologists: Our experienced lung specialists diagnose and treat both acute and chronic bronchitis with precision and care.
- Advanced Diagnostics: We offer comprehensive lung function tests, X-rays and sputum analysis to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Every patient is different. We design customised treatment strategies based on your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
- Fast and Effective Relief: We provide targeted medications, bronchodilators and breathing therapies to help you recover quickly and reduce complications.
- Home Care Guidance: Our team will guide you on effective home remedies, lifestyle changes and preventive measures to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
- Support for Chronic Cases: If you have chronic bronchitis, we offer long-term care plans, pulmonary rehabilitation and expert guidance to improve your lung health and quality of life.
- Easy Access to Care: Whether you need an in-person consultation or telemedicine services, we ensure you get the right treatment at the right time.
- Preventive Care & Wellness Programs: Our goal is not just to treat, but also to prevent. We help you with smoking cessation programs, vaccinations and lung health monitoring to protect you from future infections.
Some important questions patients should ask their doctor during a consultation:
- How do you know if you have bronchitis?
- Is bronchitis viral or bacterial?
- How long does bronchitis last?
- Can bronchitis kill you?
- What is the best treatment for bronchitis?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Accurate Diagnosis: Clear explanation of whether it’s acute or chronic, viral or bacterial and how serious it is.
- Treatment Guidance: What medications are needed, how long symptoms will last and when to seek further care.
- Home Care Advice: Practical tips on rest, hydration, home remedies and preventing future infections.
- Personalised Approach: Treatment tailored to their symptoms, lifestyle and medical history.
- Reassurance & Support: Patients want a doctor who listens, explains and makes them feel confident in their recovery.