Bronchitis Symptoms in Adults

The bronchial tubes are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs. Certain factors cause the lining of these tubes to become inflamed and irritated. This condition is known as bronchitis. It may be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is often a complication of ailments such as cold or other respiratory infections. It usually improves within a few days. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition and so requires a long-term treatment.

A person who has contracted an infection such as common cold or flu, may develop acute bronchitis after about 3-4 days. Its main symptom is a hacking cough. It usually starts as unproductive (not producing any phlegm or mucus), but worsens into a productive one.

The mucus that is coughed up may be clear, gray or yellow with a tinge of gray. In some people, the inflammation of the bronchial tubes may cause bleeding which may appear in the mucus.

The cough may be accompanied by a low-grade to mild fever, chills, and weakness. Voice could become hoarse because of the coughing, and the patient could also experience congestion or a burning pain in the chest. Breathing may become labored, and may be accompanied by wheezing.

Mostly, the above symptoms improve within a few days to 2-3 weeks. However, even after the condition resolves, the patient may have to deal with a lingering cough that may last up to several weeks.

A person is said to have developed chronic bronchitis if he/she continues to experience the above symptoms daily and for at least three months. And if this continues for two years in a row, then it is a confirmed case of chronic bronchitis.

In this case, the cough becomes more severe than before, and the patient may find it more difficult to breathe as the condition worsens. Other symptoms that may surface include headaches, muscle aches, and cyanosis.

Chronic bronchitis is mostly caused due to smoking and not any infections. So, if fever occurs along with the above symptoms, then it may indicate a secondary bacterial or viral infection.

Acute bronchitis is a self-resolving condition. Its symptoms can be improved by merely following some self-care measures at home. These might include drinking plenty of fluids, getting ample rest, and increasing humidity in the environment.

Over-the-counter medicines may also be taken to manage pain, inflammation or fever. As most cases of acute bronchitis are a complication of viral infections, antibiotics come of no help. However, if the doctor suspects a secondary bacterial infection then antibiotics could be prescribed to avoid complications.

Chronic bronchitis requires life-long management. The most important measure to treat this condition is to quit smoking. Most patients stop coughing a month after they shun smoking completely.

Medicines that are usually prescribed include bronchodilators and steroids. Bronchodilators work by dilating the shut airways in the lungs thereby easing breathing. Steroids are reserved for people with chronic bronchitis who do not do well with bronchodilators.

Steroids help reduce inflammatory response which reduces phlegm production and results in better breathing. Another beneficial treatment method includes pulmonary rehabilitation program.

This program mainly involves a therapy that helps the patient learn breathing techniques to cope with the condition, and increase his/her ability to exercise. Patients are also advised to avoid breathing in cold or dry air.

Acute bronchitis can be prevented by keeping one's hands clean and sanitized, and getting a yearly flu vaccine. And people with acute bronchitis can easily prevent the condition to become chronic by shunning smoking, and avoiding exposure to hairspray, chemical fumes, spray deodorant and spray paint.