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Acute bronchitis

Usually, the main cause of acute bronchitis (chest cold) is a contagious viral infection. The virus may enter through your nose or mouth and work its way down to your throat. As the infection enters the lining of the bronchial tubes, your immune system begins to fight back. As a result, swelling occurs and the body produces mucus. You then cough in response to try and expel the irritant and mucus.

Common ways to catch a virus are from breathing in contaminated air. Spending time in close proximity to someone carrying the virus puts you at higher risk.

Chronic bronchitis

The main cause of chronic bronchitis is long-term exposure and inhalation of lung irritants.

• Cigarette smoke is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis.

• Air pollution and dust are common in cities with dense populations, high-volume vehicular traffic, or industries nearby.

• Toxic gases are common in industrial workplace settings.

The key symptoms of bronchitis are observed in your chest and lungs. These symptoms, especially a cough, can last for several weeks. According to the American Lung Association, bronchitis symptoms can include:

• Chest congestion / discomfort

• Cough

• Shortness of breath
  
  

Due to the inflammation, you may also have symptoms of acute bronchitis that can look like those of the common cold or flu:

• Fatigue

• Nasal congestion / stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Low fever

• Chills

• Body aches

If you visit a doctor's office in person, your doctor can perform the following to come to an official diagnosis:

• Physical examination

• Chest X-ray

• Sputum tests

• Pulmonary function test

*Disclaimer: You should seek emergency attention immediately if you are experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Acute bronchitis

Typically, acute bronchitis recedes without treatment within a few weeks. Here are some additional treatment options that can help with the effects of coughing:

• Over-the-counter cough medicine (cough suppressant) for relief and help with sleep

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for pain relief

• Drink fluids - some people experience relief after drinking warm water with honey and lemon

Chronic bronchitis

For chronic bronchitis and ongoing cough, the treatment plan aims to improve breathing and manage symptoms with the following:

• Quit smoking to reduce inhalation of tobacco smoke

• Avoid exposure to air irritants

• Medications such as inhalers to reduce the inflammation and open up the air passages in the lungs

• Pulmonary rehabilitation, where a respiratory therapist will work with you to develop breathing techniques to help you breathe better

There are a few steps you can take to help prevent contracting bronchitis. It is easiest to avoid viral infections by practicing good hygiene. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap kills and removes contagious viruses from your hands, and should be done before eating.

If you smoke tobacco products, the best way to lower your chances of developing chronic bronchitis is to quit smoking. Smoking damages the bronchial tubes and slows down the healing process.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that cause blockage in the lung airways, causing breathing issues. Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung condition with symptoms similar to bronchitis, such as fever, cough, fatigue, and chest congestion. However, pneumonia is a lung disease that affects the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs), while bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes.

Other lung infections

Some other lung diseases share similar symptoms as bronchitis include:

• Asthma

• Tuberculosis

• Upper respiratory infections

• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs)