Acute bronchitis is characterized by irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes which causes continuous episodes of coughing. The condition can affect both children and adults.
Normal individuals who develop acute bronchitis usually recover without any complications but the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma might progress to a serious form.
What are the causes?
- Acute bronchitis is triggered by a virus. Generally, the condition develops in a few days after an upper respiratory tract infection such as the flu or common cold.
Persistent cough that is characterized as dry and hacking. - There are cases in which the condition is brought about by bacteria.
- Inhalation of substances that irritates the bronchial tubes such as exposure to excessive smoke
- Entry of food or vomitus into the lungs
What are the indications?
- Persistent cough that is characterized as dry and hacking
- Once the infection progresses, dry cough becomes wet along with mucus
- Low-grade fever
- Lethargy and fatigue
It is important to note that acute bronchitis is considered as a self-limiting condition where an individual recover within several weeks but there are cases that last for more than a month.
If the symptoms worsen with chest pain, high fever, chills and shortness of breath, it is likely to already progressed to pneumonia.
How is it diagnosed
The doctor will ask about the symptoms and perform a physical exam to confirm a diagnosis. There are cases in which the doctor requires a chest X-ray to rule out other lung conditions such as pneumonia especially if the symptoms persist for some time.
Management
In most cases of acute bronchitis, they are treated without any intervention or medications.
- Avoid exposure to smoke
- Provide the individual with cough tablets to ease a dry throat due to the infection
- Encourage the individual to inhale moist air from a hot shower or humidifier to keep the mucus moist
- Adequate rest
- Medications to lower down the fever and body aches can be given such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Increase the intake of fluids
- Provide an over-the-counter cough medication