What is bronchitis?

Causes and Symptoms

The
inflammation associated with bronchitis may be localized or diffuse, acute or chronic, and it is usually caused by infections or physical agents. In its infectious form, acute bronchitis is part of a general, acute upper respiratory infection, sometimes brought on by the
common cold. It can also develop from a viral infection of the nasopharynx, throat, or tracheobronchial tree. Acute bronchitis is most prevalent in winter. Factors contributing to the onset of the disease include exposure, chilling, malnutrition, fatigue, or rickets. The inflammation may be serious in debilitated patients and those with chronic pulmonary disease, and the real danger rests in the development of
pneumonia. Certain physical and chemical irritants can bring on acute bronchitis. Such agents as mineral and vegetable dusts, strong acid fumes, volatile organic compounds, and tobacco smoke can trigger an
attack.

The disease causes thickening of the bronchi and a loss of elasticity in the bronchial tree. Changes in the mucous membranes occur, leukocytes infiltrate the submucosa, and a sticky, mucopurulent exudate is formed. The normally sterile bronchi are invaded by bacteria and cellular debris. A barking cough is often present, and this serves as an essential mechanism for eliminating bronchial secretions.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by swollen mucous membranes, tenacious exudate, and spasms in the bronchiolar muscles. The result is dyspnea, the ventilatory insufficiency known as shortness of breath.

Treatment and Therapy

Acute bronchitis is treated with bed rest and medication to counteract the symptoms of inflammation. The room air should be kept warm and humid. Steam inhalation and cough syrup sometimes give relief from the severe, painful cough.

All surveys have demonstrated a high incidence of bronchitis in cigarette smokers when compared with nonsmokers, thus providing a good reason for the cessation of smoking.

Bibliography:

American Lung Association. American Lung Association, 2013.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "Bronchitis (Chest Cold). CDC, May 1, 2012.

Goldman, Lee, and Dennis Ausiello, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23d ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.

Niederman, Michael S., George A. Sarosi, and Jeffrey Glassroth. Respiratory Infections. 2d ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2001.

Shuman, Jill. "Bronchitis (Acute Bronchitis; Lower Respiratory Tract Infection)." HealthLibrary, Mar. 29, 2013.

Shayevitz, Myra, and Berton R. Shayevitz. Living Well with Chronic Asthma, Bronchitis, and Emphysema. Yonkers, N.Y.: Consumer Reports Books, 1991.

Smolley, Laurence A., and Debra Fulghum Bruce. Breathe Right Now: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating the Most Common Breathing Disorders. New York: Norton, 1998.

West, John B. Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2008.