Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tree in the lungs, which can manifest as either acute or chronic conditions. Acute bronchitis often develops from infections, particularly upper respiratory infections related to the common cold, and is more common in winter months. Symptoms include swollen mucous membranes, bronchial spasms, and shortness of breath, often accompanied by a barking cough that aids in clearing bronchial secretions. Chronic bronchitis, which typically coexists with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is frequently associated with tobacco smoking and is characterized by persistent inflammation and mucus production leading to respiratory difficulties.
Various physical and chemical irritants, such as dust and tobacco smoke, can trigger acute bronchitis, while risk factors like malnutrition and fatigue may exacerbate the condition. Treatment often involves rest, exposure to warm, moist air, and medications to alleviate symptoms, with antibiotics sometimes prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected. Understanding bronchitis is essential for managing symptoms effectively and preventing complications, particularly pneumonia.
Subject Terms
Bronchitis
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Chest, lungs, respiratory system
DEFINITION: An inflammation of the bronchial tree of the lungs
CAUSES: Upper respiratory infection, chronic pulmonary disease, physical and chemical irritants
SYMPTOMS: Swollen mucous membranes, bronchial spasms, shortness of breath
DURATION: Acute or chronic
TREATMENTS: Antibiotics, bed rest, exposure to warm, moist air
Causes and Symptoms
The inflammation associated with bronchitis may be localized or diffuse, acute or chronic, and it is usually caused by infections or physical agents. In its infectious form, acute bronchitis is part of a general, acute upper respiratory infection, sometimes brought on by the common cold. It can also develop from a viral infection of the nasopharynx, throat, or tracheobronchial tree. Acute bronchitis is most prevalent in winter. Factors contributing to the onset of the disease include exposure, chilling, malnutrition, fatigue, or rickets. The inflammation may be serious in debilitated patients and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the real danger rests in the development of pneumonia. Certain physical and chemical irritants can bring on acute bronchitis. Such agents as mineral and vegetable dusts, strong acid fumes, volatile organic compounds, and tobacco smoke can trigger an attack.
The disease causes thickening of the bronchi and a loss of elasticity in the bronchial tree. Changes in the mucous membranes occur, leukocytes (white blood cells) infiltrate the submucosa, and a sticky, mucopurulent exudate is formed. The normally sterile bronchi are invaded by bacteria and cellular debris. A barking cough is often present, and this serves as an essential mechanism for eliminating bronchial secretions.
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by swollen mucous membranes, tenacious exudate, and spasms in the bronchiolar muscles. The result is dyspnea, the ventilatory insufficiency known as shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis typically coexists with COPD and is commonly associated with tobacco smoking.
Treatment and Therapy
Acute bronchitis is treated with bed rest and medication to counteract the symptoms of inflammation. The room air should be kept warm and humid. Steam inhalation and cough syrup sometimes give relief from the severe, painful cough.
All surveys have demonstrated a high incidence of bronchitis in cigarette smokers when compared with nonsmokers, thus providing a good reason for the cessation of smoking.
Bibliography:
American Lung Association. American Lung Association, 2024, lung.org. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis)." CDC, 1 July 2021, www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/bronchitis.html. Web. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Goldman, Lee, and Dennis Ausiello, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2023.
Niederman, Michael S., George A. Sarosi, and Jeffrey Glassroth. Respiratory Infections. 2d ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2001.
Shuman, Jill. "Bronchitis (Acute Bronchitis; Lower Respiratory Tract Infection)." HealthLibrary, Mar. 29, 2013.
Shayevitz, Myra, and Berton R. Shayevitz. Living Well with Chronic Asthma, Bronchitis, and Emphysema. Yonkers, N.Y.: Consumer Reports Books, 1991.
Singh, Anumeha, Akshay Avula, Abdulghani Sankari, and Elise Zahn. "Acute Bronchitis." StatPearls, 26 Dec. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448067/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Smolley, Laurence A., and Debra Fulghum Bruce. Breathe Right Now: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating the Most Common Breathing Disorders. New York: Norton, 1998.
West, John B. Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2012.