Bronkitt

Bronkitt, or bronchitis in English, is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. It can present as acute bronchitis, which is usually short-lived, or chronic bronchitis, a long-term condition often linked to ongoing exposure to irritants. Acute bronchitis commonly follows a viral infection and typically resolves within a few weeks, though coughing can persist. Chronic bronchitis is defined by a productive cough lasting at least three months in two consecutive years and is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms of acute bronchitis include coughing with mucus, chest discomfort or tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sometimes fever or fatigue. In chronic bronchitis, coughing and mucus production are the main features, occurring on most days and often worsening with exertion or cold weather. The condition can be confused with pneumonia, so evaluation is important when symptoms are severe or persistent.

Causes and risk factors include viruses as the typical trigger for acute bronchitis, with bacteria playing a smaller role in some cases. Irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational exposures increase risk, especially for chronic bronchitis. Other factors include age, immune status, and preexisting lung disease.

Diagnosis and treatment are usually based on clinical evaluation; a chest X-ray may be used to exclude pneumonia, and spirometry can help assess chronic disease. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and monitoring. Acute bronchitis is often managed with rest, fluids, and analgesics; antibiotics are not routinely recommended unless a bacterial infection is suspected or risk is high. Chronic bronchitis management emphasizes smoking cessation, inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled steroids in certain cases, vaccination (influenza and pneumococcal), and, when needed, pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen therapy. Prevention centers on avoiding tobacco smoke and other irritants.