Bronchitis: what kind of disease it is, whether it is dangerous, and what complications it can cause

A cough that drags on week after week is often called bronchitis — and not always fairly. Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi, and it has specific time frames by which a doctor distinguishes it from other diseases. Let's figure out whether it is dangerous and what it can develop into.

Bronchitis: what kind of disease it is

Bronchitis is a disease of the lower respiratory tract: the mucous membrane of the bronchi, the cartilaginous tubes leading from the trachea to the pulmonary alveoli, becomes inflamed. The inflammation may involve the entire bronchial tree or part of it. Bronchitis differs from pneumonia in that the alveoli are not involved in the process.

The leading symptom is cough: first dry, later with sputum, rarely with streaks of blood. When the trachea is inflamed, a burning sensation in the chest during breathing and soreness when coughing appear.

• cough, often with sputum;
• chest pain when coughing;
• shortness of breath;
• sore throat and runny nose;
• elevated temperature.

Why the bronchi become inflamed

Normally, irritants and microbes are retained in the nose and throat, and the lower respiratory tract is cleared by the cough reflex. When the defense fails, particles enter the airways and inflammation begins. The culprit may be an infection, as well as physical and chemical irritants.

Acute bronchitis is in most cases caused by viruses, including influenza viruses; bacteria as a cause are encountered much less often. Chronic bronchitis develops with prolonged exposure to irritants: the main one is tobacco smoke, with which more than 90% of cases are associated. Secondhand smoke, polluted air, fumes, and dust at work are also harmful; less often — hereditary alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Smoking, asthma, and allergies increase the risk of both forms.

Acute and chronic bronchitis: main differences

The boundary is checked by the calendar. Acute bronchitis lasts no more than 3 weeks and usually resolves on its own: cough with sputum persists from 1 to 3 weeks. If the cough does not end within 3 weeks, the doctor looks for another diagnosis, for example post-infectious cough. Acute bronchitis is more common in winter and is often contagious.

Chronic bronchitis is a more serious disease with a tendency to progress and irreversible lung damage; today it is described within the framework of COPD. Over time, the cough becomes frequent, with a large amount of sputum, wheezing appears — a quiet whistle resembling the sound of a kettle — and shortness of breath on exertion. In severe cases there may be weight loss, weakness of the leg muscles, and swelling of the feet and lower legs. Symptoms usually begin at the age of 40 or older.

Whether bronchitis is dangerous and what it can develop into

Acute bronchitis in most cases resolves on its own in about 3 weeks. A combination of cough with rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and tachycardia is concerning: such signs may indicate pneumonia. Due to swelling of the mucous membrane, bronchial obstruction sometimes occurs — such bronchitis is called obstructive.

Chronic bronchitis is more dangerous: it leads to persistent impairment of airway patency, and it is obstruction, not cough and sputum, that leads to increased mortality. It is often combined with pulmonary emphysema, and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis are considered a separate disease.

Other diseases of the bronchi and how they differ from bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi is a component of many diseases, so bronchitis is not always the only answer. Pneumonia affects the alveoli, which does not happen with bronchitis. COPD is a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and worsen over time; its two main forms are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Separate syndromes include laryngotracheobronchitis, protracted bacterial bronchitis, and aspiration bronchitis.

How bronchitis is diagnosed and when a doctor is needed

The doctor asks about symptoms, clarifies the family history, and if necessary orders tests: pulmonary function testing, chest X-ray or CT, blood tests. In acute bronchitis, there should be no infiltrates on the image.

A consultation is needed if the cough persists longer than 3 weeks and does not become easier, blood appears in the sputum, or chest pain is bothersome — intermittent or on breathing and coughing. Separately — age over 65 years, pregnancy, diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease, weakened immunity, chemotherapy, marked weakness and shortness of breath.

Bronchitis by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Numbers 103 and 112 — if the person has difficulty breathing: they are gasping, gulping for air and cannot speak; the lips or skin become very pale, blue, or gray; sudden confusion occurs; a child cannot be woken or has gone limp.

This text is for reference: it helps to navigate the time frames and signs, but does not replace a consultation with a doctor who sees a specific person, not a description of a disease.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer