Understanding the Types, Causes, and Symptoms of Bronchitis

In simple terms, bronchitis is a medical condition that causes the inflammation of the airways that are responsible for the transport of air into the lungs. Under certain conditions, they can get irritated, and this causes them to produce a lot of excess mucus, something that may cause congestion and cough. 

Now, there are primarily two types of bronchitis, but we usually refer to acute bronchitis, and while these result in more severe bouts, chronic bronchitis lasts for far longer. If you are suffering from bronchitis as well, considering visiting a hospital in Gurgaon can certainly turn out to be the right thing to do. 

In this blog, we will be taking a look at the different types of bronchitis there are, some of the main causes of bronchitis in this day and age, the critical symptoms of bronchitis there are, and lastly, how they can be effectively tackled. So, let’s get started. 

Types of bronchitis.

Although acute bronchitis manages to gain a lot of attention, chronic bronchitis can turn out to be a far-reaching issue. 

Acute bronchitis.

This is a form of bronchitis that sustains itself for a week or so, and these are mostly caused by viral infections. Now, this type of bronchitis doesn’t call for medical attention, and the recovery process is executed by the human immune system in most cases. 

Chronic bronchitis.

This is a type of bronchitis that can affect us for 3 months or more in a particular year, and in a majority of cases, they can last for 2 or more years before they begin to subside. To cure this type of bronchitis, one does need to get diagnosed medically. Since COPD is an underlying condition associated with chronic bronchitis, it is suggested that one gets tested for the same. 

When it comes to the types of bronchitis, the causes that can result in each can differ quite a bit, and to that end, the bronchitis treatment for each can differ quite a bit as well. 

Causes of bronchitis.

When it comes to bronchitis, you would be surprised to learn that most of the cases are caused by viruses, but there can be certain other factors behind it as well. Let’s explore the various causes of bronchitis there are.

• Viruses: These are primarily to blame when it comes to bronchitis, and some of the most common types of viruses in this regard are Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Coronavirus, etc. 

• Bacteria: In a few cases, bacteria can be held responsible for bronchitis as well. Bordetella pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumonia are two of the most common types of bacteria that can cause bronchitis in humans. 

• External factors: While bacteria and viruses are two of the most common causes of bronchitis, external factors like smoking or excessive air pollution can have a detrimental effect when it comes to bronchitis as well. If you are someone who resides in an area that features a heavy amount of pollution, the chances of your contracting bronchitis get amplified massively. 

Symptoms of bronchitis.

The symptoms of bronchitis are pretty similar to what the common cold displays, with extended periods of coughing being one of the main symptoms that can point towards the occurrence of this particular disease. Some of the other common symptoms of bronchitis are as follows:

• A constant feeling of shortness of breath can turn out to be one of the symptoms.
• Being down with a fever can indicate bronchitis as well.
• A runny nose, or a constant flow of watery mucus, can indicate bronchitis.
• A sense of tiredness and fatigue can be expected when bronchitis sets in.

Bronchitis treatment.

Since bronchitis can be caused by a number of different factors, the exact procedure to be followed to treat it varies quite a bit as well. The following are some of the main remedies and cures that are commonly prescribed and used. 

• Since bronchitis is mainly caused by viruses, the use of antiviral medication is one of the best ways to remedy bronchitis. 

• If you are finding it hard to breathe properly, a bronchodilator can be used to free up the passages, thereby allowing for smoother airflow. 

• Corticosteroids can prove to be one of the best ways in which inflammation of the passages can be reduced as well.

• Cough syrups might be used to address the cough that results from bronchitis, but such medications must only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Now, while these are some of the most common treatment methodologies there are, the exact course that is to be taken is decided by the doctor after taking the diagnostic results into consideration.

Final take:

Bronchitis is a medical condition that affects the air passageways, and while not fatal, it can cause quite a bit of pain and agony. Prioritising your lung health today will lead to a brighter and healthier future. Consult with an advanced medical team at a multidisciplinary hospital.