Bronchitis – Understanding, Preventing and Treating

 

 

Introduction

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi that causes cough, mucus, shortness of breath, and sometimes fever. It can be acute (usually viral, short-term) or chronic (linked to smoking, pollution, or chronic lung diseases).

 

Types

 

• Acute bronchitis: lasts less than 3 weeks, mainly viral.

• Chronic bronchitis: persistent form (3 months/year for at least 2 years), often part of COPD.

Symptoms

 

• Persistent cough (dry or productive)

• Thick mucus (white, yellow, or green)

• Chest tightness

• Shortness of breath

• Mild fever (sometimes)

Risk factors

 

• Smoking

• Air pollution

• Weakened immune system

• Advanced age

• Occupational exposure (dust, chemicals)

Treatment & prevention

 

• Rest, hydration, steam inhalations

• Medicines: cough suppressants (for dry cough), expectorants (for wet cough), bronchodilators (in severe cases)

• Antibiotics: only in case of bacterial infection

• Prevention: quit smoking, flu & pertussis vaccination, avoid pollutants

Conclusion

Bronchitis is common and usually mild. However, chronic or repeated bronchitis requires medical evaluation.