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What causes bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis often develops after having a cold or the flu. It is most commonly caused by a virus, such as the influenza virus, but can also be caused by bacteria and other particles, such as air pollution or chemicals that are breathed in and irritate the lining of the airways. These factors cause the lining of the large airways, called bronchi, to become inflamed and swell up. They also cause the airways to produce more mucus than usual, which your body tries to get rid of by coughing.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of airways. There are commonly two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is a type of chest infection. It is a common condition that affects the lungs and occurs when the airways in the lungs become …

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

The main symptoms of acute bronchitis include: coughing; mucus production, and; wheezy or crackly breathing. Some people with acute bronchitis may also experience: a fever; muscle aches and pains; a sore throat, and; a blocked or runny nose.

Who can develop bronchitis?

Anybody can develop acute bronchitis, but you are at an increased risk if you are elderly, smoke, or have a weak immune system.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

To work out if you have acute bronchitis, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. This may include listening to your chest with a stethoscope to hear your breathing. They may also take a sample of mucus or a …

How is acute bronchitis treated?

Many cases of acute bronchitis will clear up on their own. There are some things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms such as: getting plenty of rest; avoiding cigarette smoke, and; drinking plenty of fluids. Some over-the-counter medications, such …

How long does acute bronchitis last?

Most cases of acute bronchitis last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how severe it is. Elderly people and those with a weak immune system or other chronic illness may develop more severe symptoms and take longer to recover.

What can be done at home to treat acute bronchitis?

Getting plenty or rest, drinking lots of fluids and avoiding substances that irritate the lungs, such as smoking, can all help the recovery from acute bronchitis. Over-the-counter pain-relief medications and decongestants can also help to …

Is acute bronchitis contagious?

Some of the infections that cause acute bronchitis can be contagious, which means that they can be easily passed on to another person. Acute bronchitis can be spread by breathing in the droplets from an infected person's sneeze or cough.

Can acute bronchitis be prevented?

Many cases of acute bronchitis are caused by the flu. Getting an annual flu vaccination can you reduce your risk of developing acute bronchitis. If you have a history of lung problems then immunization against pneumococcal pneumonia may also be …

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About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 805 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Pneumonia

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