At its most basic level, bronchitis affects the lungs by causing an individual's bronchial passages (the airways within your lungs) to become infected.
In a bronchial infection, the membrane of the lungs starts swelling due to the irritation, becoming much thicker than prior to the infection. This causes the airways within the lungs to become narrow or completely shut off, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing spells and other symptoms such as excessive mucus.
Bronchitis comes in two known forms: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis generally lasts for one to three weeks, while the chronic form of the condition may last for a period three months and even up to two years.
The acute form of bronchitis affects the nose, sinuses, throat and later spreads to the lungs. It's primarily caused by a viral respiratory infection and may be coupled with an additional bacterial infection affecting a person's airways. Individuals who contract repeated cases of acute bronchitis may eventually contract chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis may cause symptoms such as "hacking" or severe coughing and excessive phlegm or mucus.
Chronic bronchitis can be contracted through repeated cases of acute bronchitis and/or respiratory aggravation, usually from smoking or exposure from harmful pollutants. Smoke or other pollutants can damage tiny hair-like "brushes" in one's lungs, called cilia. These tiny hairs help ward off debris, irritants and mucus from the interior of your lungs. The condition is generally diagnosed when you has been suffering from coughing that produces excessive mucus for a period over three months.
A doctor or health care provider will perform a series of tests for bronchitis symptoms by listening to the lungs with the use of a stethoscope. A chest x-ray may be performed if necessary.
To treat acute bronchitis, a doctor will suggest a number of home remedies to help the recovery process. Antibiotics are typically prescribed as the viral infection will go away after some time.
During this period, a doctor or healthcare provider will recommend the following:
• Avoid smoking or being exposed to smoking and other harmful fumes.
• Drink a lot of fluids.
• Get enough rest.
• Take pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, especially if one develops fever-like symptoms.
• Consume peripheral pain relievers, such as cough drops.
• Use a humidifier in your home and particularly in places such as a bathroom. Hot washcloths or showers can also be used to soothe airways.
Some patients may need to be prescribed an inhaler from their doctor to open their airways, in the case of developing wheezing. Secondary bacterial infections may be prescribed antibiotics.
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