Bronchitis is a condition in which the airways (trachea and bronchi) become inflamed and filled with mucus. A persistent cough occurs as your body tries to get rid of the mucus. Let's take a look at our guide to bronchitis symptoms and coping methods.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to the lungs. When these airways (trachea and bronchi) become irritated, they swell and fill with mucus, causing a cough. Bronchitis is divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis usually develops after a cold or other respiratory infection. Acute bronchitis symptoms usually improve within a week to ten days, but the cough can last for several weeks. The most common cause is viruses. 
On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is the constant irritation or inflammation of the inner lining of the bronchial tubes and is mostly associated with irritants such as cigarette smoke. Chronic bronchitis requires medical intervention because it is a permanent inflammation of the respiratory tract and is evaluated within chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis symptoms include coughing up thick and colored mucus. This is a health problem that negatively affects daily life and needs to be treated.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a condition that develops as a result of inflammation of the bronchial tubes and can be both acute and chronic. Here are the symptoms of bronchitis:
Viral Bronchitis Symptoms
Viral bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and often goes away on its own within a few weeks. Typical symptoms of viral bronchitis include intense cough, chest congestion, low-grade fever, and general fatigue. The patient usually coughs up clear or colored mucus. These symptoms usually improve quickly.
Allergic Bronchitis Symptom
Allergic bronchitis has similar symptoms to viral bronchitis, but it occurs specifically when exposed to allergens. Symptoms include cough, mucus production, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Allergic bronchitis symptoms usually subside when the allergen is avoided.
General Symptoms of Bronchitis
Common symptoms of bronchitis include a persistent and bothersome cough, chest congestion, fever, and cold-like symptoms. In individuals with chronic bronchitis, symptoms may worsen over time and may require additional treatment. On the other hand, a cough following acute bronchitis may last for several weeks until the bronchial tubes heal and the swelling subsides.
These symptoms can be seen in both acute and chronic bronchitis, but can be controlled with correct diagnosis and treatment.
What are the Types of Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs and is generally examined in two main types. Below you can find detailed information about acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis:
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is the most common type of bronchitis and can be described as a “chest cold.” This type typically presents with symptoms such as cough, mild fever, and chest congestion that last for several weeks. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by viral infections. The symptoms of acute bronchitis are temporary and usually do not cause any long-term problems. The vast majority of patients recover without any further treatment.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a more serious and persistent condition. It is characterized by constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also included in this type. In individuals with chronic bronchitis, the cough can last at least three months and return for at least two consecutive years. This condition is associated with recurrent infections and long-term airway obstruction. It is usually triggered by external factors such as smoking.
What Causes Bronchitis?
Bronchitis can occur due to various factors. The most common cause is viral infections, and this condition usually manifests itself with pulmonary bronchitis symptoms such as intense coughing. Environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke and air pollution also contribute to the development of bronchitis. Bronchitis symptoms occur especially in adults with these factors. In addition, allergic asthma bronchitis symptoms are caused by hypersensitivity to allergens and show symptoms such as coughing and airway obstruction. These causes cause inflammation of the bronchi and increased mucus production, causing airway obstruction and other bronchitis symptoms.
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
Bronchitis causes symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, fatigue, and chest pain, and is characterized by inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Bronchitis, which has two types: chronic and acute, is not contagious. However, acute bronchitis is usually caused by cold or flu viruses, and since these viruses are contagious, acute bronchitis can be said to be contagious. Acute bronchitis can be spread through the secretions of a person who is coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose. As long as you have symptoms of the disease, you can be contagious, especially for the first few days. Considering that viruses are transmitted through the air and by touching surfaces, it is important to avoid close contact with sick people and wash your hands frequently.
What is Good for Bronchitis?
Here are some methods you can use to relieve bronchitis symptoms:
- You should drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus caused by bronchitis and remove it from the body.
- You can use air humidifiers to reduce your cough and throat irritation.
- You can also take a hot shower or a hot steam bath to loosen the mucus and make it easier to expel.
- Staying away from cigarettes also helps relieve bronchitis symptoms. Quitting smoking can even help you see visible signs of bronchitis improvement.
- You can try to sleep in an upright position to breathe more easily throughout the night.
However, if you are showing symptoms of bronchitis, you should definitely consult a doctor and apply the treatment method he recommends as soon as possible. You can also give the methods we have listed above a chance by consulting your doctor.
How is Bronchitis Treated?
Bronchitis treatment usually varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and whether the disease is acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis usually goes away on its own and is treated with plenty of fluids, rest, and painkillers recommended by your doctor when necessary. Chronic bronchitis requires a more complex approach; it may include drug treatments such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy. Your doctor may also recommend smoking cessation support and pulmonary rehabilitation. If bronchitis symptoms do not improve or become severe, a doctor should definitely be consulted for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Source
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3993-bronchitis
https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-bronchitis-basics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355566
https://www.webmd.com/lung/is-bronchitis-contagious
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316410