Have you ever experienced a persistent cough accompanied by chest tightness? It could be more than just a common cold, but a symptom of bronchitis. When the respiratory tract becomes inflamed, this condition can lead to bronchitis. As a result, excess mucus builds up, making breathing difficult and uncomfortable.
Bronchitis can appear suddenly (acute) or persist over a long period (chronic), and recognizing the symptoms early is key to preventing complications. Let's find out here!
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is inflammation of one or more bronchi. The bronchi are the airways that connect the trachea to the lungs. Bronchitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, causing symptoms such as a productive cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Bronchitis can affect anyone and can be a very bothersome condition, even causing severe shortness of breath. If the condition worsens and is not treated promptly, it can lead to pneumonia, which is often characterized by shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, and other symptoms.
Factors Causing Bronchitis That You Need to Be Aware of
1. Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection affecting the bronchi. This infection can be caused by viruses that typically cause upper respiratory tract infections. If the infection spreads to the bronchi, acute bronchitis occurs.
Acute bronchitis generally lasts 10-14 days, but the cough can last up to 3 weeks. Anyone can develop this condition, but children are more at risk.
2. Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis occurs due to long-term inflammation of the bronchi. This can be caused by exposure to cigarette smoke or other chemicals. Chronic bronchitis typically lasts for three months or occurs several times over a two-year period.
Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis is more common in adults aged 40 and over.
Bronchitis Symptoms That Are Often Ignored
There are several symptoms of bronchitis that can indicate that someone is suffering from bronchitis, including:
- Cough
One symptom of bronchitis is a cough, which can be dry or phlegmy. If the cough is phlegmy, the mucus produced can be clear, white, yellow, or green. - Fever and Chills
Another symptom of bronchitis is fever, which varies from person to person. Some people don't experience a fever at all, others may only experience a mild fever, and still others may experience a high fever. In some people, the fever may also be accompanied by chills. - Sore throat
Coughing that occurs as a response to expelling phlegm can occur continuously until it causes a sore throat. - Pain When Coughing
Additionally, a common symptom of bronchitis is frequent coughing to expel phlegm. This can cause chest pain and discomfort with each cough. - Feeling tired and sore in the body
Symptoms that may appear in general are that bronchitis sufferers will feel tired when doing activities and feel pain that spreads throughout the body.
How to Treat Bronchitis
Treatment for bronchitis varies depending on the severity of the inflammation. Acute bronchitis usually resolves without treatment and has no lasting effects, except in some individuals whose airways are already damaged.
If the inflammation causes mild symptoms, it usually gets better on its own within a few weeks or you can also be given fever and cough reducing medication to reduce the symptoms.
In cases of bronchitis with quite severe inflammation, patients are advised to take medications such as antibiotics, drugs to reduce inflammation, or drugs to widen the airways.
Bronchitis Prevention Efforts That Can Be Done
To reduce the risk of bronchitis, there are several steps you can take to prevent bronchitis, including:
- Stop smoking and stay away from environments with cigarette smoke.
- Get an influenza vaccination to prevent flu virus infection which can potentially trigger bronchitis.
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and running water as a step to maintain cleanliness and avoid the transmission of viruses.
- Limit exposure to air pollution and substances that can irritate the respiratory tract, especially in areas with high levels of pollution.
- Wear a mask when in dusty or smoky places.
When to See a Doctor?
Take preventive measures against bronchitis early to stay healthy. While mild bronchitis usually improves with plenty of rest, adequate fluids, and appropriate treatment, symptoms should not be ignored. See a doctor immediately if your cough persists after three weeks, your phlegm turns thick yellow or is mixed with blood, your shortness of breath worsens, or you have a high fever.
Early medical attention can help alleviate symptoms and prevent serious complications like pneumonia or chronic lung disorders. Take care of your lung health, as prevention is always better than cure.
Article written by Dr. Hario Baskoro, Sp.P, Ph.D (Pulmonary & Respiratory Specialist, EMC Pulomas Hospital).