Causes of bronchitis

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Bronchitis is mostly caused by the invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the body, affecting the bronchi. Common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, rhinovirus, adenovirus, mycoplasma, chlamydophila, and it might also be due to infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Bordetella. It often occurs when the body's immune system is compromised, due to staying up late, being exposed to cold, lack of sleep, or getting wet in rain. During the acute phase, symptoms such as high fever, chills, coughing, spitting phlegm, and breathing difficulty may occur. It's important to detect and treat it early to prevent it from turning into chronic bronchitis.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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What to watch out for with acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is still relatively common in clinical practice. So, what should be paid attention to when one has acute bronchitis? First, it is important to rest, avoid staying up late, avoid fatigue, drink more water, and quit smoking. Second, regarding medication, it is necessary to use drugs scientifically under the guidance of a physician, including the use of antibiotics, cough suppressants, and expectorants, among others. Additionally, acute bronchitis should be taken seriously. It is important to cooperate fully with the doctor's treatment and not to neglect it, as neglect may delay treatment and lead to the transformation into chronic bronchitis, which would be more troublesome.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How long will acute bronchitis take to get better?

Generally, if the disease is detected early and diagnosed, prompt intravenous administration of penicillin antibiotics will lead to recovery in about a week. During the acute phase of inflammation when fever occurs, the diet should consist of liquid or semi-liquid foods, and fever-reducing pain relievers such as compound aspirin or ibuprofen may be taken. If symptoms such as difficulty breathing and wheezing occur, medications like salbutamol or aminophylline can be used to relieve these symptoms, focusing mainly on anti-inflammatory treatment and symptomatic therapy. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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What should be paid attention to in acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is one of the common respiratory diseases, clinically characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and expectoration. For those afflicted with acute bronchitis, it's important to rest, drink plenty of water, avoid exhaustion, eat light meals, quit smoking, and ensure the room is well-ventilated. These measures are beneficial for the recovery from acute bronchitis. Additionally, it's vital to follow the doctor's advice for active medication. If there is a bacterial infection, sensitive antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a physician. Furthermore, under medical guidance, medications to suppress cough, facilitate expectoration, and relieve asthma should be used. Generally, with bronchitis, the prognosis is good, and timely treatment can bring the condition under control.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchitis

If it is acute bronchitis, the onset is usually quite sudden and symptoms may include fever, cough, and expectoration. Some patients may experience bloody sputum or symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. Coughing and expectoration often continue for two to three weeks, after which most patients can recover. If it is chronic bronchitis, the onset is often gradual, and symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, and wheezing occur repeatedly. The episodes each year may last for more than three months.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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The difference between bronchitis and tracheitis.

Bronchitis and tracheitis are not standardized diagnoses. For bronchitis, it often refers to acute bronchitis, while tracheitis often refers to chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is an infectious respiratory disease, which mostly presents with symptoms of coughing, and may also be accompanied by sputum production and chest tightness. However, the condition of the patient is usually completely curable. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a chronic respiratory disease. This condition can manifest as chronic cough, sputum production, and chest tightness, and the patient's condition may progress gradually, even possibly complicating with chronic respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. Therefore, chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis are two completely different diseases. Additionally, it is important to note that sometimes bronchitis may also refer to chronic bronchitis, and tracheitis may also refer to acute bronchitis, so it is impossible to completely distinguish between bronchitis and tracheitis.