Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. It can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis, usually viral, resolves in weeks; chronic bronchitis is a recurrent productive cough lasting at least three months in two consecutive years and is a form of COPD.

Symptoms include cough with mucus, chest tightness or wheeze, shortness of breath with activity, and fatigue. Fever may occur with acute cases; severe chest pain or trouble breathing requires urgent care.

Causes: Acute bronchitis follows a viral infection; bacteria are less common. Chronic bronchitis results from ongoing airway irritation, most often tobacco smoke, but also air pollution, occupational exposures, and frequent infections.

Diagnosis relies on history and examination; chest X-ray may be used to exclude pneumonia; spirometry helps assess chronic cases. Acute bronchitis treatment is mainly supportive: fluids, rest, and symptomatic relief; bronchodilators can help wheeze. Antibiotics are not routinely recommended unless bacterial infection is suspected or risk factors exist.

Chronic bronchitis management emphasizes smoking cessation, vaccination, inhaled bronchodilators, and, when needed, inhaled corticosteroids and pulmonary rehabilitation. Exacerbations are treated with antibiotics and/or systemic steroids.