How To Help Bronchitis

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi or the major airways of the lungs. These breathing tubes are located on both sides of the trachea (windpipe), they also lead to minor airways inside the lung called bronchioles. When particles such as dust entire the bronchi, its walls produce mucus to trap fragments to prevent irritation.¹ Sometimes the bronchi can be overly irritated leading to increased production of mucus; this leads to inflammation of the breathing tubes. As a result, the body reacts by trying to remove the mucus through coughing, hence the main symptom of bronchitis is a cough that brings up phlegm (grey/yellow mucus). Bronchitis can also cause wheezing and a sore throat.¹ There are different types of bronchitis such as chronic and acute.³

Types of bronchitis

Bronchitis can be divded into two types: Chronic and Acute 

Acute bronchitis is also identified as a chest cold; this is because it is a cough that typically continues around three weeks. This type of bronchitis is generally initiated by a viral infection, this may be spread through the air and is commonly identical to viruses that cause the flu. Additionally, it can be caused by a bacterial infection or even chemical agents that are inhaled, including tobacco smoke, allergens and dust. Acute bronchitis can come after a vital infection in the upper respiratory tract or even a cold, it may also arise in those with allergies or chronic sinusitis. People with enlarged tonsils and adenoids or are particularly at risk, this condition can be dangerous for people with heart or lung diseases and further complications such as pneumonia can also occur.²

Chronic bronchitis is also identified as a productive cough; this is because it can continue for three months or longer per year.³ This type of bronchitis is widespread among smokers and is categorised by the long-term inflammation of the bronchi. Those with this condition are often referred to having COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this is a group of lung diseases which prevent air flow in the lungs and produce breathing troubles. Smoke from tobacco is the most common cause and genetics and air pollution can also play a small role.²  People with chronic bronchitis may have periods of acute bronchitis when symptoms are harsher, it is also much easier to get lung infections.³ To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis other conditions such as lung diseases and tuberculosis must be ruled out.

Symptoms of bronchitis

A hacking cough is the main symptom of bronchitis and is likely to bring up thick grey/yellow phlegm (mucus), though this does not have to happen. The other symptoms of bronchitis are like those of other infections, e.g., sinusitis or common colds⁵ and broadly include:

• Blocked or running nose
• Tiredness
• Sore throat
• Pains and body aches
• Headache

With bronchitis, a cough can last for numerous weeks even after other symptoms have disappeared. It is also very common for the continual cough to make stomach and chest muscles sore. Some people may encounter wheezing or shortness of breath due to the inflammation of the airways, but this symptom is more common with chronic bronchitis. Specific symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• Wheezing
• Symptoms often worsen during winter months, it is also common to have more than one flare-up a year; this when symptoms are particularly worse
• Recurrent chest infections
• Breathlessness when moving around or moving around
• A continual cough that brings up phlegm (mucus)
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Symptoms specific to acute bronchitis include:

• General ill feeling
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Inadequate sleep
• Tickle feeling behind throat
• Wheezing
• Rattling sensation in chest
• Chest pain
• Tightness and soreness in the chest
• Slight fever

It should be noted bronchitis is not the only condition that produces a cough, many go away may be symptoms listed may be a sign of pneumonia, asthma, or other conditions.⁵ Those with a persistent cough must see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Treatment of bronchitis

Most cases of bronchitis can be treated at home without problems, a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, enough fluids and rest can be enough. But it is important to see a doctor if symptoms are unusual or severe. Acute bronchitis will most often clear, without intervention, within a few weeks so treatment is not needed. For recovery, plenty of rest and lots of fluid are required. But in some cases, the symptoms of bronchitis can continue for much longer, this is chronic bronchitis and while there is actually no cure for this condition there are various medications available to alleviate symptoms.  

Remedies 

Those with bronchitis must ensure to get plenty of rest as well as drink lots of fluids, this thins the mucus in the lungs making it simpler to cough up, it also prevents dehydration. Symptoms such as aches, pains, headaches, and fevers are treatable with ibuprofen or paracetamol, it should be noted ibuprofen is not advised for those with asthma.

There is little indication that cough medicines help bronchitis ⁽⁶⁾. Instead of over-the-counter cough medications, it is advised to make home mixtures of lemon and honey which will ease coughing and soothe sore throats. Another option is taking throat lozenges that do not contain medicine.⁶

Steam is also beneficial as it can slacken mucus in the lungs. Remedies include:

• Vicks VapoRub (on chest)
• Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water
• Humidifiers
• Hot showers

Chronic bronchitis is handled the like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for example:

• Oxygen can be given to COPD patients
• Exercise programmes, also recognized as pulmonary rehabilitation, are helpful in coping nd managing symptoms
• Medications such as mucolytics, these make can be used to make mucus easier to cough up

What to avoid?

With both types of bronchitis type, the best method is to steer clear of things that can irritate the lungs:

• Cold air can trigger coughing and shortness of breath, it is recommended to wear a mask
• Avoid chemical fumes, dust and passive smoke as well as all things that irritate the lungs. If they cannot be avoided a mask can be worn
• Stop smoking: this is the most important thing that can be done can, doctors provide support to achieve this. It is important to note there are different approaches and different things work best for different people
• Antihistamines for seasonal allergies

When do you seek medical attention?

It is recommended to see a doctor during times where symptoms get worse, those with chronic bronchitis can still pick up acute bronchitis with worsening mucus and coughing. It is mandatory to see a doctor as an antibiotic might be needed. Doctors may also prescribe antiviral medications for the flu as a few cases of acute bronchitis are initiated by the flu virus. Bronchitis can cause pneumonia and additional complications; therefore it is important for patients to be proactive and aware they may need to seek medical support. This will be if:

• Symptoms last longer than 3 weeks
• Symptoms produce blood
• Symptoms interfere with sleep
• Foul-tasting fluid after coughing
• High body temperature
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• With chronic bronchitis coughing will go on for months, it is therefore best to check in with a doctor often

Summary

Bronchitis is inflammation of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi). This causes increased production of mucus and a hacking cough to remove buildup of it. There are two types of bronchitis, acute also known as a chest cold and chronic referred to as a productive cough. Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral infection, allergens, tobacco smoke and dust. Chronic bronchitis is common amongst smokers and is the long-term inflammation of the bronchi. Symptoms of this condition are wheezing, recurrent chest infections, breathlessness when moving around and a continual cough that brings up phlegm. Most often bronchitis can be treated at home with remedies such as steaming and home made mixtures with lemon and honey. It is advised to drink a lot of fluids, avoid cold weather and to stop smoking to recover from this condition. Those whose symptoms worsen are advised to see a doctor, this is because underlying problems such as the flu may need to be dealt with, doctors may need to prescribe antibiotics or in extreme cases treatments such as oxygen therapy are recommended.