Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs, that causes the cilia of the bronchial epithelial cells to stop functioning.
Like many disorders, bronchitis can be acute (short-term), or chronic (long-lasting). Chronic bronchitis is a problem commonly seen in smokers, whereas acute bronchitis is almost always caused by viral infection, as elucidated by recent studies.
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Symptoms
The symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis include:
- Discolored mucus (white, yellow, or green) caused by peroxidase released by neutrophils
- Bloody (pink, red or rust-streaked) mucus (should be evaluated by a doctor)
- Shortness of breath, worsened by activity
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Chest discomfort
- Malaise
Acute bronchitis
- usually lasts about 7 to 10 days.
- can last up to 90 days.
- rarely responds to antibiotics due to its primarily viral etiology and should be treated symptomatically.
- complications are more likely with comorbidities such as smoking, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a chronic obstructive respiratory disease, where the airways are obstructed by plugs of mucus.
External links
Section Online medical references
- Acute bronchitis Merck Manual of Diagnosis & Therapy
- Bronchitis The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
- Lungs OnLine - Bronchitis
- [1] FamilyDoctor.org (American Academy of Family Physicians)