Bronchitis: Causes And Symptoms

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition which focuses mainly on a person's lungs. In this respiratory condition, the person's windpipe and bronchi (both large and small) are inflamed due to infection or something else. There are two kinds of bronchitis, acute and chronic. As with all other kinds of conditions, acute is shorter termed or temporary, lasting about several weeks while chronic bronchitis is a cough with sputum that last for at least three months and occurs in two consecutive years.

Bronchitis In Acute Form

This condition is almost always preceded by a cold or the flu. It is caused by the presence and perseverance of bacteria or viruses in the respiratory system. This type of bronchitis is basically not so difficult to treat as long as it is detected early on. The symptoms of acute bronchitis are coughing up mucus, blocked or runny nose, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Some other symptoms that the doctors can see via tests are the hardening of the sooth muscle and inflammation of the bronchi.

Bronchitis In Chronic Form

This form of bronchitis is more severe than the acute form. This usually lasts longer and may be more difficult to treat. This respiratory condition may be caused by underlying conditions that are may also be linked to acute bronchitis. This form of respiratory disease is sometimes triggered by COPD, heart disease and lung cancer. Other possible triggers are smoking, farmer's lung and other conditions. Industrial pollution is also another cause of this condition. Many coalminers, metal molders and grain handlers are prone to this condition as this condition is often caused by exposure to dust and minute particles that cling to the bronchi and cause the inflammation.

Manifestation Of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is seen in symptoms that are similar, whether the condition is acute or chronic. One of the main symptoms of this condition is cough that expels mucus which is colored yellow o greenish yellow. Other possible symptoms are difficulty breathing due to the inflammation in the lungs and bronchi, a heavy or sore feeling in the chest region and sometimes always clearing the throat.

Bronchitis can take a turn for the worst if left untreated or unnoticed. In children, it may be more difficult to detect since many kids tend to swallow sputum or do not mind their coughing too much especially when they are having fun. It is best to bring any individual who has had the cough for more than ten days to the doctor. It may only be a simple cough or cold but it can also be something else entirely.