Is bronchitis a serious disease?

Most people who get acute bronchitis recover on their own without the need for any prescription medicines. Some people, who may have poor immune systems or comorbidities, might be at a higher risk of getting a severe disease and complications, such as pneumonia. Acute bronchitis may also progress to chronic bronchitis and COPD, which cause severe morbidity and mortality.

Why do I get coughs and colds every year?

Some patients can get acute bronchitis with seasonal changes, especially during the winter season. If you notice that you get a cough and cold at the same time every year, you may be suffering from seasonal allergies and must see a doctor to help with your symptoms.

What home remedies can help with cough?

There are many home remedies that can help relieve a cough. These remedies usually include herbs or condiments. You can suck on a piece of clove, ginger candy, a cinnamon stick, or take a mixture of honey and turmeric to help ease your cough. Drinking and gargling with lukewarm water, steam inhalation, etc. are also helpful in alleviating cough. You may also benefit from immunity-boosting foods like gooseberries, almonds, oranges, lemons, spinach, etc.

What are pulmonary function tests?

Pulmonary function tests are non-invasive tests done to assess your lung function. You will be asked to blow into a device known as the spirometer multiple times and in different ways like slow exhalation, forceful exhalation, etc. You may be asked to record your readings before and after taking a bronchodilator medicine. The spirometer device records the readings. Studying the reports can give an idea of your lung condition to the doctor.

How long does it take to recover from bronchitis?

Usually, an episode of chronic bronchitis resolves within a week, with or without treatments. Rarely, acute bronchitis may worsen and lead to chest infections. These in general take a longer time to heal. Chronic bronchitis, however, is a lifelong condition.

Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia?

It is rare but yes it is possible for bronchitis to worsen to a lung infection known as pneumonia. It is a common complication usually associated with chronic bronchitis. However, pneumonia can be seen in people with acute bronchitis who suffer from comorbidities like uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, severe hypertension, or have a compromised immune system.

Bronchitis

Written By Dr. Sakshi SharmaBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Also known as Airways inflammation, Chest cold

Overview

Bronchitis is an inflammatory reaction of the lining of the bronchial tubes (or airways). As it is a respiratory condition, it presents with symptoms such as frequent coughing with or without mucus, fatigue, fever and wheezing or whistling sound while breathing.

Bronchitis is broadly classified into acute (if onset is recent) or chronic (if present for long) forms. Acute bronchitis is often caused by a mild infection such as seasonal viral flu or may be due to allergic reasons. Whereas smoking and exposure to air pollutants for a long time are the most common causes of chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is associated with a severe respiratory disease known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Acute bronchitis, if mild, can be managed with home remedies, OTC products, and anti-allergic medications but consultation with a doctor or immediate intervention may be required in severe cases. Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing illness that requires lifelong treatment to keep the symptoms suppressed and is a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality in the long term.

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Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Celebs affected

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Alternatives therapies

Living with

FAQs

References