What is Acute Bronchitis?

Causes

Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by viruses, such as those responsible for the common cold or flu. These viruses can infect the lining of bronchial tubes, leading to inflammation and irritation.

Other potential causes include:

• Bacterial infection

• Exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke or air pollution

• Occasionally, it can develop as a secondary infection following a respiratory illness

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

• Cough (often producing mucus. It can be white, yellowish-grey or sometimes even green)

• Breath shortness

• Fever and cold

• Chest congestion

• Fatigue

• Body aches

• Sore throat

• Wheezing or noisy breathing in some cases

• Mild headaches

• Runny nose

Treatment

The treatment for acute bronchitis typically focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body’s natural healing process. If the symptoms persist for weeks then you must consult your doctor. Some common approaches that can help manage your symptoms include:

• Get enough sleep and rest as this allows your body to focus on fighting the infection and healing.

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, or broths to stay hydrated. This will also help loosen mucus.

• Use a humidifier or take steamy showers as this can help ease coughing and loosen mucus in the airways.

• You can opt for over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants as it can help provide relief from coughing. Take pain relievers to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.

• Avoid exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, or any other irritants that can aggravate the bronchial tubes.

• In few cases, the doctor may prescribe medications to help open airways or if he suspects a bacterial infection.

• Follow-up with your healthcare provider if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Please note that it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

Prevention Tips

To help prevent acute bronchitis, consider following these tips:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing them frequently with soap and water.

• Try to avoid close contact with individuals who have respiratory infections.

• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

• Consider getting vaccinated against flu as it can reduce the risk of contracting viral infections.

• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep.