Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation caused to the air passages in the lungs. The inflammation occurs in the windpipe (also known as trachea) and bronchial tubes (small and large airways) in the lungs.
There are two types of bronchitis. They are acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. The viruses and bacteria which cause cold and flu are responsible for the occurrence of both acute and chronic bronchitis. The main difference between the acute and chronic bronchitis is the duration.
Acute bronchitis may last for 4 to 6 months and the symptoms can be cured within 6 months. Chronic bronchitis affected person may have to live with the symptoms for 1 to 2 years. He or she may have frequent spells of cough and wheezing.
Causes of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is mostly found during the flu and cold season which is accompanied by a upper respiratory tract infection.
One of the major causes of bronchitis is smoking. It causes chronic bronchitis when the chemical irritants in the cigarette smoke enter inside the lungs. It causes irritation to the bronchial tubes causing cough and wheezing. Smoking may also cause shortness of breath.
The primary causes of bronchitis are:
- Viruses like influenza B and influenza A that cause flu
- Infection in the upper respiratory system
- Irritation in the thin mucus membrane of the airways
- Leak out of the fluids from the cells that cause inflammation
- Bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae which causes bronchitis
- Bacteria which causes walking pneumonia
- Inhaling irritants in the dust and fumes
- Inhaling chemicals in the cigarette smoke and other types of smoke
Who are at great risk?
People who are at a greater risk of getting bronchitis are:
- People with severe symptoms of cold and flu
- Elderly people
- Smoking people
- People with weaker immune system
- Infants with smaller airways
- People who inhales industrial fume
- Infants with slow development of the immune system
- People with continuous exposure to irritants create irritation in the lungs
