Bronchitis: Everything You Need to Know

Many people every day ask themselves the question, what exactly is bronchitis and is it contagious? Well, bronchitis is a viral disease that causes mucus to thicken the airways of the bronchial tubes. Because this disease is caused by viruses, most of the time antibiotics cannot treat the disease. So how do you know which type of bronchitis you have and how to treat it? 

Types of Bronchitis

Acute Bronchitis

The most common form of bronchitis is the acute form and is caused by the same virus that causes the common cold or flu. It usually lasts 7-10 days. This form of the disease starts with a respiratory tract infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial walls. The inflammation then triggers edema of the bronchus leading to an increased production of mucus. A cough develops after the infection spreads. It usually takes a few days for the infection to clear, but because of the damage to the bronchial walls, the cough can persist. 

Chronic Bronchitis

The chronic form of bronchitis is a more serious form of the disease. With this form, the bronchial tubes are continuously inflamed and irritated. Common causes of the chronic form are smoking and other pollutants. This form of the disease is caused by persistent and long-term damage to the bronchial walls. The walls undergo structural changes due to the exposure of inflammation to the airways. These structural changes lead to an increase production in mucus creating a chronic issue.

Symptoms

Symptoms are the same for both acute and chronic bronchitis. Usually, the person will have a cough which includes sputum. A person may also experience…

• fever
• chills
• fatigue
• mild headache
• shortness of breath
• chest discomfort

The diseases themselves may resolve in a week or so, but a cough may linger for several weeks. The chronic form is defined as having a cough with sputum production for at least a three-month period for two consecutive years.

Bronchitis Diagnosis

This disease can be difficult to distinguish from other viruses and may not be caught in the early stages. During the examination, the doctor will ask for a medical history and any potential exposures such as dust or fumes. The doctor may request a sputum test, chest x-rays, pulmonary test, and blood test.

Treatment

The acute form of the disease usually clears up without any assistance from medications. However, to ease discomfort an over-the-counter cough suppressant can help with the coughing along with taking a pain or fever reducer. It is also important to get plenty of rests and fluids to help the body recover.

The chronic form of the disease does not have a cure. The provider will treat the patient more aggressively. Cough medicine can help relieve the coughing, but it is important not to suppress a cough completely. Coughing helps remove the mucus from the lungs. Bronchodilators are used to open the bronchial tubes and help remove mucus. Also, the provider often prescribes a mucolytic which helps eliminate the sputum. If the cause is suspected to be bacterial and not viral, then an antibiotic can be prescribed. Anti-inflammatory medicines along with steroids help reduce inflammation and tissue damage. Patients with difficulty breathing may benefit from oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation to help with the breathing problems.

Natural Treatments for Bronchitis

There are no natural treatments for bronchitis itself, but there are quite a few natural methods to treat its symptoms. 

Ginger: Ginger is a well-known remedy that is known to relieve nausea and upset stomachs, but it is also good for soothing a cough. By drinking ginger tea, it can soothe an irritated throat, reduce dryness, and break up mucus and phlegm in your throat, therefore easing your cough. 

Peppermint: Peppermint oil and peppermint tea are also staples in the natural healing world. Peppermint leaves contain menthol which can have a numbing and soothing effect on your throat and cough. So, drinking a peppermint tea will soothe the throat and the hot water will ease your aching throat. Peppermint oil is another great way to utilize peppermint if you aren’t a tea drinker. Put a few drops of peppermint oil in your diffuser or in your steam bath to breathe in its added benefits. 

Steam: Inhaling hot air is another great method to break up mucus. Boil some water and let it cool enough to not burn your face. Then drape a towel over your head and lower your head towards the warm water to inhale the steam. As a bonus, use peppermint oil to increase the healing benefits of the steam. 

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is not only good for your body in general, but when you have an extra build-up of mucus, that extra water will thin the mucus drip and cause less irritation to your throat and make you cough less. 

Honey: Honey is a catch-all for almost any illness. Honey has anti-microbial properties and is a thick, delicious, sugary substance that provides relief for those who have an irritated throat. It will coat your throat and provide some much-needed relief to your poor scratchy throat. Mix some honey in hot tea to drink before bed to ease your throat so you cough less throughout the night. 

Prevention

This disease is not completely preventable, but precautions can be taken to help reduce the risk of developing the disease. Washing hands, getting the annual flu and pneumonia vaccination can help reduce a person’s risk. The number one cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. It is best to quit smoking and avoid exposure to smoke and other toxic pollutants as much as possible.