You will now receive email updates from the American Lung Association. Select your location to view local American Lung Association events and news near you. Our service is free and we are here to help you. Learn About Acute Bronchitis. Section Menu. Key Facts Bronchitis is temporary and usually does not cause any permanent breathing difficulties. The infection usually lasts for a week to 10 days, but the cough can continue for several weeks. Bronchitis usually gets better on its own without the need for medical treatment.
It is different from chronic bronchitis, a chronic disease that is part of COPD. Young children, the elderly and people with major health conditions are the most at risk. What Causes Bronchitis? When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless, and the red light does not get hot. This test makes pictures of your internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs.
This imaging test uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to make images of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. Treatment for chronic bronchitis is aimed at treating the causes and symptoms. It may include:. Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:.
Health Home Conditions and Diseases. To be classified as chronic bronchitis: You must have a cough and mucus most days for at least 3 months a year, for 2 years in a row. Other causes of symptoms, such as tuberculosis or other lung diseases, must be ruled out. What causes chronic bronchitis? Bronchitis symptoms often happen with other lung diseases, such as: Asthma Pulmonary emphysema Scarring of the lungs pulmonary fibrosis Sinusitis Tuberculosis Upper respiratory infections What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis may cause: Disability Frequent and severe infections that affect your airways Narrowing and plugging of your breathing tubes bronchi Trouble breathing Other symptoms may include: Bluish fingernails, lips, and skin because of lower oxygen levels Wheezing and crackling sounds with breathing Swollen feet Heart failure The symptoms of chronic bronchitis may look like other lung conditions or health problems. How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed? They may include: Spirometry.
It may be used for any or all of these reasons: To find out how well your lungs take in, hold, and move air To keep watch on a lung disease To see how well treatment is working To find out how serious your lung disease is To find out if your lung disease is restrictive or obstructive.
Restrictive means less air will get into your lungs. Obstructive means less air will get out of your lungs. Viral infections, such as the cold or flu, are usually the cause of acute bronchitis. Occasionally, acute bronchitis can be caused by a bacterial infection. Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing cough that lasts for several months and comes back two or more years in a row.
The cough is productive, meaning it brings up mucus. In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways is constantly inflamed. This causes the lining to swell and make more mucus, which can make it hard to breathe.
Chronic bronchitis is often part of a serious condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. Your risk for either type of bronchitis is higher if you smoke cigarettes or have asthma or allergies.
Chronic bronchitis is most often caused by smoking cigarettes, but it can occur in non-smokers as well. Women who smoke may be more at risk than men. Those who are older, have been exposed to fumes or secondhand smoke, have a family history of lung disease, have a history of childhood respiratory diseases, or have gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD , are also at higher risk of getting chronic bronchitis.
The most common symptom of bronchitis is coughing associated with mucus production. Other symptoms include wheezing or shortness of breath, chest pain, or a low fever. To diagnose bronchitis, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history and symptoms. The doctor may also order a blood test to look for signs of infection or a chest X-ray to see if your lungs and bronchial tubes look normal and rule out pneumonia. Usually, acute bronchitis goes away on its own, without treatment.
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