Bronichitis

Bronchitis is a disease which affects the lungs. It comes in two forms: acute bronchitis, and chronic bronchitis. There is one additional type knows as asthmatic bronchitis which is not counted as it is highly specialised, affecting only those who suffer from asthma.

Bronchitis occurs when the membrane of the lung’s bronchial passages becomes inflamed. The membrane becomes thicker with the irritation and the lung’s tiny airways become closed off. This gives rise to the characteristic fits of coughing, as well as phlegm on the chest and shortness of breath.

The acute form of bronchitis lasts for six weeks or less. This is the type which usually arises alongside a common cold or upper respiratory infection. As the infection is usually viral, antibiotics cannot be used to treat it, although there are some uncommon cases in which a bacterial infection does occur. Usually after recovering from the initial infection the mucous membrane will return to normal and the problem will resolve itself.

In the case of chronic bronchitis things are slightly different. Chronic bronchitis is defined as recurrent bouts of bronchitis over a period of at least two years. This type of bronchitis is far worse and can require serious medical treatment over the long term.

How can I recognise bronchitis?

Bronchitis is often easily confused with a common cough, particularly among those who are very wary of their health. However, there are important ways in which you can differentiate bronchitis from a normal cough and ascertain whether you have something more serious affecting you.

If you suffer from a cold but continue to have a cough once the rest of the illness has passed you are advised to contact your doctor. Coughing up thick mucus or blood as well as suffering from a fever or night sweats are also symptoms of bronchitis for which you should see your doctor.