Bronchitis is a medical condition that involves inflammation in the bronchi, which are the large air passages in the lungs. The inflammation leads to excessive mucus production and is followed by many alterations in the bronchi. Broadly, there are two kinds of bronchitis: acute and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by inflammation in the bronchial tubes’ mucus membrane. This article sheds light on its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.

Symptoms

Quite a few symptoms point toward acute bronchitis; however, you must note that each person experiences symptoms differently. Some of the common acute bronchitis symptoms include muscle and back pain, chills, a cough with a lot of mucus, a headache, feeling achy and tired, chest soreness, a runny nose, wheezing, a sore throat, shortness of breath, watery eyes, and a slight fever.

Usually, acute bronchitis symptoms often mimic other medical problems or conditions. So, speak to a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. Symptoms can last less than three weeks. Sometimes they can exacerbate and lead to complications.

Causes

Typically, acute bronchitis stems from infectious agents like viruses or bacteria. Further, it may also be caused by chemical or physical agents, minus allergens, dust, strong fumes, and chemical cleaning compounds. An asthma attack may also be one of the causes of acute bronchitis, and vice versa.

In children, the most prevalent cause of bronchitis is a virus. However, bacteria may result in acute bronchitis in children over six years of age. Typically, acute bronchitis is a mild condition. However, acute bronchitis may further result in symptoms such as viral infections in the upper respiratory tract or the common cold. It sometimes occurs in children with allergies, chronic sinusitis, or those with adenoids or enlarged tonsils. Pneumonia is a common complication that follows bronchitis.

Diagnosis

Typically, healthcare providers diagnose acute bronchitis by performing a physical examination and asking questions about your medical history. Further, they may also perform tests to rule out other diseases like asthma or pneumonia. Here is a list of tests that can help with an acute bronchitis diagnosis:

• Pulse oximetry: An oximeter is a small machine to measure the blood’s oxygen level. A small sensor is clipped or taped to the toe or finger for the measurement. You will see a small red light when you turn on the machine. It is a painless sensor, and the red light does not get hot.
• Chest X-rays: A diagnostic test that employs invisible radiation beams to form pictures of the internal bones, organs, and tissues.
• Sputum and nasal discharge cultures: Testing the swab from the nose or the sputum you cough up can also help identify the microorganisms responsible for the infection.
• Arterial blood gas: This blood test assesses the oxygen and carbon dioxide percentages in the blood.
• Pulmonary function tests: These tests help assess the lungs’ ability to move air inside and out of the lungs. Pulmonary tests are performed using special machines that you breathe into.

Treatment options
Some treatment options a doctor may recommend include measures to ease your breathing and relieve symptoms. They involve drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest. Since the virus is responsible for most acute bronchitis cases, the doctor will not prescribe treatment options that fight bacterial infections. However, if you have persistent or severe symptoms, doctors may advise a short prescription treatment course to relieve symptoms and not let the condition exacerbate.

Further, a doctor may suggest a cough suppressant if the coughing does not let you sleep at night. It is extremely vital to not self-medicate, as symptoms can worsen.

What you can do to feel better
Besides the treatment options suggested by your doctor, you can also take some measures to feel better as your body fights off acute bronchitis. These include the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get good rest
• Use a cold mist vaporizer or humidifier
• Use drops or nasal spray to relieve a stuffy nose
• Use a rubber suction bulb to get rid of mucus in children
• Inhale steam
• Have honey

Speak to a local pharmacist or doctor before you try to treat yourself.