What Is Bronchitis?

Many people know the coughing and discomfort of bronchitis. Having the knowledge of what bronchitis is can help in proactive healthcare measures. Always check with your doctor if you are concerned about or have any bronchitis symptoms.

What is bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the bronchial tubes. These tubes (or bronchi) carry air to and from the lungs. Sometimes bronchitis is referred to as a chest cold. There are two main types of bronchitis — acute (short-lived) and chronic (reoccurring). Both types of bronchitis produce similar symptoms. The viruses that cause flu or colds are the typical causes of acute bronchitis. Occasionally a bacterial infection is the cause of acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a viral or bacterially-caused infection that is more serious, long lasting and reoccurring. In both cases, your doctor is your ally in managing the infection and piloting your recovery.

Signs of acute bronchitis. You know you are developing acute bronchitis when that cold or flu is taking on a new life in your chest. Acute bronchitis usually starts after a cold or flu infection has developed. Symptoms of this phase of acute bronchitis will be similar to a cold or flu. These symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, body aches, fever, runny nose and perhaps diarrhea and vomiting. Once bronchitis has set in, expect the signs to include a persistent cough that can last up to two or three weeks, states the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. If you experience severe symptoms such as tightness in the chest, shortness of breath or chest pain, see your doctor right away.

Chronic bronchitis symptoms. The chronic form of bronchitis is considered a more serious condition that happens when bronchi are constantly in an irritated and inflamed state — often the result of smoking. This infection reoccurs and does not resolve as quickly as acute bronchitis. Additional symptoms include long-term coughing, chest discomfort, mucus or no mucus, and wheezing. Additionally, those living with chronic bronchitis may experience times when their symptoms are much worse than usually expected in acute bronchitis. Those with chronic bronchitis do not typically recover completely and must manage the symptoms as proactively as is possible. Staying away from smoking or those who do is imperative for anyone living with chronic bronchitis.