BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi. Bronchitis can be divided into two categories, acute and chronic Acute Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection. Acute bronchitis is characterized by the development of a cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus that is expectorated (coughed up) from the respiratory tract. Acute bronchitis often occurs during the course of an acute viral illness such as the common cold or influenza. Viruses cause about 90% of cases of acute bronchitis, whereas bacteria account for less than 10%. At first, it affects the nose, sinuses, and throat and then spreads to the lungs. Sometimes the patient may get another (secondary) bacterial infection in the airways. This means that bacteria infect the airways, in addition to the virus.

People at risk for acute bronchitis include:

The elderly, infants, and young children Persons with heart or lung disease Smokers

Chronic Chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is characterized by the presence of a productive cough that lasts for three months or more per year for at least two years. Chronic bronchitis most often develops due to recurrent injury to the airways caused by inhaled irritants resulting in chronic inflammation, edema (swelling), and increased production of mucus by goblet cells. Airflow into and out of the lungs is partly blocked because of the swelling and extra mucus in the bronchi or due to reversible bronchospasm. Cigarette smoking, tobacco chewing are the most common causes, followed by air pollution and occupational exposure to irritants.
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Chronic bronchitis is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short. (Emphysema is another type of COPD.) Other symptoms may include wheezing and shortness of breath, especially upon exertion. The cough is often worse soon after awakening, and the sputum produced may have a yellow or green color and may be streaked with blood.

The following things can make bronchitis worse:

Air pollution Allergies Certain occupations (such as coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling) Infections

Symptoms The symptoms of either type of bronchitis may include:

Chest discomfort Cough that produces mucus; if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection Fatigue Fever -- usually low Shortness of breath worsened by exertion or mild activity Wheezing

Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, the patient may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks. Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

Ankle, feet, and leg swelling Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu)
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Investigations The health care provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Abnormal sounds in the lungs called rales or other abnormal breathing sounds may be heard. Tests may include:

Chest x-ray Lung function tests Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.