Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation in the trachea and bronchi, the airways leading to the lungs. This irritation causes mucus production and swelling in the airways, which causes symptoms. Viruses are the primary cause of bronchitis, but bacteria, smoke, and other irritants can also be responsible for this condition. While bronchitis itself is not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis are contagious and are spread through close contact such as shaking hands or touching infected surfaces.
Treatment
Acute viral bronchitis generally goes away on its own and doesn’t require treatment. Anyone can develop bronchitis, but people at higher risk include people who smoke or are around someone who smokes, or those with an underlying autoimmune disorder or respiratory disease such as asthma. A medical provider can perform an examination to evaluate symptoms and may order testing such as a nasal swab or chest x-ray. Medications used to treat bronchitis are aimed at managing symptoms and may include cough suppressants, anti-inflammatory medications, and bronchodilators. Antibiotics are not used to treat viral illnesses and should not be taken as treatment for viral bronchitis.
Symptoms
Coughing is the most common symptom of bronchitis and usually lasts 1-3 weeks. Mucus may or may not be produced or expelled when coughing. Wheezing, a whistling noise, or a coarse sound heard when breathing may also be present. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue, and fever.
Bronchitis may last for several weeks depending on the cause and severity of the inflammation, and the cough may linger even longer. While bronchitis doesn’t typically cause serious complications for most people, anyone with difficulty breathing, chest pain, increased fever, worsening symptoms, or those with ongoing conditions at higher risk for developing bronchitis should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Prevention
The best way to avoid getting bronchitis is to avoid getting sick by limiting exposure to others when/if they are sick and skipping large gatherings, particularly in the winter months. Avoiding smoke or other irritants is also important. People with asthma should avoid known triggers. Running a humidifier can be helpful as moist air is less likely to irritate the lungs. It’s also important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water/stay hydrated, and eat a healthy diet. Frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing is recommended.
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