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Reviewed by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP
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What is acute bronchitis?
Acute (ie recent onset) bronchitis is an inflammation of the
lower respiratory passages (bronchi).
What causes acute bronchitis?
The usual cause is an infection due to a
virus. The viruses
responsible for acute bronchitis include those that might otherwise only cause
a
cold, but in
bronchitis they spread further down the respiratory tree. The bronchial lining,
already damaged by this infection, is then open to secondary attack by
bacteria.
People who have underlying lung problems, such as chronic (ie
long-standing) bronchitis, are more likely to get acute bronchitis as their
lung defence mechanism against infection is lower than normal.
Smoking is the
commonest reason for this to happen.
Although much less common, exposure to irritant fumes and dust
can be a cause of acute bronchitis.
How does acute bronchitis affect the bronchi?
Viruses or bacteria cause inflammation in the respiratory
passages, which results in:
-
irritation of the respiratory passages, causing a
cough.
-
an increased production of mucus (phlegm).
-
the swelling of the mucous membrane (lining) of the bronchi,
along with the increased production of mucus makes the airways narrower,
leading to a wheeze.
The inflammation can lead to fever, fatigue, coloured spit and a
general feeling of ill-health.
What makes acute bronchitis worse?
-
Cigarette smoke.
-
Cold, close, damp weather.
-
Air pollution.
What can I do to help myself?
-
Drink plenty of water.
-
Cough naturally to remove the phlegm.
Paracetamol (eg Panadol,
Calpol) or
aspirin (eg Disprin,
Aspro clear)
will
relieve any fever. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of
age, unless on the advice of a doctor.
When should the doctor be consulted?
-
If it gets difficult to breathe.
-
If the skin or lips, change to a bluish or whitish
colour.
-
If the symptoms seems to be getting worse or if they last more
than 10 days.
Asthmatic people may find that their asthma becomes worse during
a bronchitis infection, and should discuss with their doctor what steps to take
with their treatment if this happens.
Do I need any medicine?
As the majority of infections are caused by a virus it is not
usually possible to treat acute bronchitis with
antibiotics unless your doctor
suspects that secondary bacterial infection has occurred.
When a wheeze is present, or if there is a persistent cough
there can be some value in using
beta-2 agonists, which are also used
to treat
asthma. These may be
especially useful for children.
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Based on a text by Dr Finn Rasmussen
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Last updated 02.03.2005
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