Bronchitis
Are there different types of bronchitis? Learn all about the symptoms of this condition in babies, children, and adults, as well as the most commonly used treatments.
Symptoms and Causes
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the tissue lining the bronchi, which are responsible for transporting air into the lungs. When inflamed, they cause coughing, often accompanied by mucus production. This condition is usually viral, although in some cases, it is caused by bacteria. Therefore, bronchitis is contagious, and patients should take precautions to prevent spreading it to those around them.
Depending on its origin and behavior, there are three types of bronchitis:
- Acute bronchitis: This occurs suddenly and usually lasts about three weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis: This occurs when bronchial inflammation is prolonged, leading to persistent and recurring symptoms. The disease is considered chronic if multiple episodes of productive cough occur for about three months per year for at least two years. It is very common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Asthmatic bronchitis or bronchial asthma: The bronchi are chronically inflamed, leading to episodes of shortness of breath. This dyspnea is caused by occasional airway obstruction, which, due to its nature, is usually reversible.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of bronchitis in adults and children, whether acute or chronic, include:
- Cough with sputum.
- Mucus in the lungs.
- Dyspnea or shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- In cases of acute bronchitis, general malaise and headaches may also be present.
Detecting bronchitis symptoms in babies is more challenging, as they can only express discomfort through crying. Usually, the disease manifests with signs such as:
- Fever.
- Nasal mucus.
- Cough.
- Wheezing when breathing.
- Difficulty breathing (the ribs become visible through the skin when inhaling).
- Loss of appetite.
Causes
Bronchitis is usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or the influenza virus. Occasionally, it may be caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Haemophilus influenzae.
Viral bronchitis spreads through droplets expelled by an infected person when coughing. These droplets can be inhaled or settle on objects used by others.
In the case of chronic bronchitis, smoking is the primary cause and trigger.
Risk factors
Some factors that increase the risk of developing bronchitis include:
- Smoking, as smokers are more prone to the condition.
- Complications from other illnesses such as the common cold or flu.
- Contact with infected individuals.
Complications
On one hand, acute bronchitis can worsen and lead to pneumonia. On the other, chronic bronchitis may indicate the presence of COPD.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of contracting bronchitis, it is advisable to:
- Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with an infected person.
- Get vaccinated against the influenza virus and pneumococcus; doctors often recommend this for at-risk individuals.
- Quit smoking.
- Wear a mask when infected to protect those around you. It is also recommended for immunocompromised individuals or those with COPD when in crowded places.
Which doctor treats bronchitis?
Pulmonologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases. Depending on the patient's characteristics, pediatricians or family doctors may also be involved. Additionally, physicians from smoking cessation units play a role in addressing one of the primary risk factors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing bronchitis can be challenging in its early stages, as most symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. To confirm the condition, the following tests are usually performed:
- Physical examination, which includes listening to the lungs while breathing.
- Chest X-ray, especially to rule out pneumonia.
- Sputum test to determine whether a bacterial infection is present.
- Spirometry to assess lung function and capacity.
Treatment
In most cases, bronchitis does not require specific treatment, as viral infections resolve on their own. To reduce symptoms and improve the patient's overall condition, antipyretics or cough suppressants may be prescribed. Additionally, rest is recommended for as long as the most severe symptoms persist.
Bacterial bronchitis, on the other hand, requires antibiotics, while chronic cases improve significantly with pulmonary rehabilitation breathing exercises.
