Acute Bronchitis
May 13, 2009
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes (airways), mucosal lining of the major bronchi and their small sub-divisions, which may also involve the trachea (acute tracheo-bronchitis).
The onset of the condition is acute. It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, or by an exposure to chemicals (rarely).
In children, viruses are the most common infectious cause of bronchitis. Bronchiolitis is the infection of the small airways (bronchioles) usually occurring in infants.
It arises primarily from the infection by the viruses and secondary bacterial infection may occur. The viruses are sprayed into the air from infected people on coughing. One can get infected on inhaling these viruses or by touching a hand that is coated with the viruses.
Acute bronchitis causing longer periods of disability (normally from 1-3 weeks) occurs mainly in COPD, i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g. chronic bronchitis or emphysema), bronchiectasis or other chronic respiratory conditions.
Smokers and people in certain occupations (working in and around some kinds of factories) are more prone to get acute bronchitis and to have it longer due to their already damaged bronchial tree.
As the age advances, the attacks occur with increasing frequency and severity, thereby giving rise to longer periods of incapacity.
Signs and symptoms
A feverish condition, usually lasting a few days, with a harsh and painful cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, generally preceded by symptoms of upper respiratory infection, such as coryza (common cold), chilliness, muscle pain, and sore throat.
At first there is dry cough, but as the lungs produce additional mucus in response to the infection, the cough becomes easier and less painful. The cough may be triggered by cold, dry air, smoke or dust.
Persistent fever suggests complicating pneumonia.
Treatment
Plenty of rest, lots of fluids (water and fruit juices), increasing the humidity of the environment and symptomatic treatment (antibiotics) on doctor’s consultation.
Prognosis
Acute bronchitis is unlikely to have any significant associated mortality unless there is underlying COPD in which the chances of recovery are less and there is an increased risk of respiratory failure.
The condition usually gives rise to short-term disability prior to recovery. However, recurrent attacks may cause increasingly prolonged periods of incapacity in those people prone to respiratory disease, especially if they continue to smoke, and may ultimately lead to the development of an irreversible airway disease.
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