Delaware County Community College

Bronchitis

BRONCHITIS IS . . .Bronchitis is an upper respiratory disease in which the mucous membrane in the lungs’ upper bronchial passages become swollen. As the irritated membrane enlarges and grows thicker, it narrows or shuts off the tiny airways in the lungs, resulting in coughing spells accompanied by thick phlegm and breathlessness. The disease comes in the forms of acute and chronic.

ACUTE BRONCHITIS IS . . .Acute Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (the air passages leading from the windpipe to the lungs). Inflammation of the cells lining the walls of these bronchial tubes prompts the formation of a thick mucus that clogs the airways and results in shortness of breath and other signs. Acute bronchitis is very common among both children and adults. It can often be treated with antibiotic therapy.

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS IS . . .Chronic Bronchitis is a condition in which excessive mucus is secreted in the bronchi. The typical victim is a middle-aged or older person, often with a long history of cigarette smoking. To qualify as chronic bronchitis, there must be a cough that produces thick mucus for at least 3 months and the cough must recur for at least two consecutive years. Additionally there may be shortness of breath and wheezing; this is referred to as chronic asthmatic bronchitis. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, you are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems as well as more serious lung diseases and infections, so you should be monitored by your doctor. The chief cause of chronic bronchitis is heavy, long-term cigarette smoking, which irritates the bronchial tubes and causes them to produce excess mucous.

	SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE BRONCHITIS: Coughing Expectorating yellow or gray phlegm Breathlessness Wheezing Fever Pain in the upper chest, which worsens during a coughing spell.
	SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC BRONCHITIS: Constant "smoker’s cough" that produces thick sputum. Wheezing. Difficulty breathing. Repeated respiratory infections. Weakness and weight loss.

BRONCHITIS IS DIAGNOSED BY:

• Acute bronchitis is usually diagnosed on the basis of symptoms. A sputum culture may be needed if a bacterial infection is suspected. Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve themselves in approximately a week.
• In order to confirm a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, tests need to be performed to determine if the airways are obstructed. Tests include analysis of sputum and lung function tests. Tests are also needed to rule out other disease processes that might cause similar symptoms. A chest x-ray is also used in diagnosis.

BRONCHITIS IS TREATED BY . . . Antibiotics. Prescription cough syrup. In severe cases of chronic bronchitis, supplemental oxygen may be necessary.

TO HELP PREVENT BRONCHITIS:

• Don’t smoke. If you smoke, stop.
• Avoid contact with people who have bronchitis or colds.
• Stay indoors as much as possible during periods of high air pollution.
• If you work with chemicals, dust, or other lung irritants, wear the appropriate face mask.
• If you have asthma or respiratory allergies, discuss treatment with your doctor.
• Avoid becoming chilled. If you go out into very cold air, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or a mask.
• Stay away from things you know cause an allergic reaction, because this can aggravate lung problems.

• Your cough is so severe or persistent that it hinders daily living activities or sleep; you could be injuring sensitive air sacs in your lungs.
• Your symptoms last more than a week, and your mucous becomes darker, thicker, or enlarges in volume; most likely you have an infection that must be treated with antibiotics.
• You show signs of acute bronchitis, especially if you have chronic lung or heart problems; respiratory infections can leave you vulnerable to more serious lung diseases, such as pneumonia.
• You have great difficulty breathing. This symptom, sometimes incorrectly associated with bronchitis, could signal asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis, heart disease, a serious allergic reaction, or cancer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT BRONCHITIS ON THE INTERNET, GO TO:

American Lung Association-Bronchitis
http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=34706&ct=910855

Mayo Clinic - Bronchitis
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00031

American Academy of Family Physicians- Acute Bronchitis
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/hueston.html