Non-obstructive bronchitis: what it is and what types of bronchitis exist

Non-obstructive bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial mucosa without blockage of the airways. The wording describes bronchial patency, not the severity of the cough. Below are definitions, types of bronchitis, and signs that prompt a visit to a doctor.

What non-obstructive bronchitis is and how it differs from obstructive bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, the cartilaginous tubes leading from the trachea to the pulmonary alveoli. The alveoli are not affected in bronchitis, which distinguishes it from pneumonia. Inflammation may involve the entire bronchial tree or part of it.

Non-obstructive bronchitis is inflammation without blockage of the bronchi. Uncomplicated chronic bronchitis manifests as cough without physiological signs of obstruction.

Obstructive bronchitis is a different form. Blockage of the bronchi occurs due to swelling of the mucosa. The difference between the forms lies in bronchial patency, not in the nature of the sputum.

What types of bronchitis exist

There are several classifications. By duration: acute, subacute, chronic. By type of inflammatory process: neutrophilic, eosinophilic, lymphocytic, neurogenic. The types combine: acute viral bronchitis can be simultaneously lymphocytic and neutrophilic.

Clinical syndromes: acute bronchitis, laryngotracheobronchitis, protracted bacterial bronchitis, aspiration bronchitis. Neurogenic inflammation in chronic cough remains a hypothesis that is tested through research.

Sputum and temperature: what purulent sputum means

Cough with sputum is the most significant symptom. Sputum may be clear, white, yellowish-gray, or green. Rarely, streaks of blood appear in it. In later stages, the sputum may be purulent.

Temperature may be high, or there may be a mild fever with chills.

Worsening of the condition and signs of infection, including an increase in temperature, are reasons to seek medical care.

Acute and chronic bronchitis in adults: signs and causes

Acute bronchitis is cough with sputum lasting no longer than 3 weeks and without infiltrates on an X-ray. The disease usually resolves on its own. The cause is in most cases viral: influenza A and B, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses. Bacteria are less common: Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis in vaccinated individuals, Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Acute bronchitis is contagious and occurs more often in the winter months.

Chronic bronchitis progresses over time. The main cause is smoking, more than 90% of cases. Other factors: polluted air, toxic gases in the workplace, passive smoking, dust, a rare genetic disorder — alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Up to 75% of people with chronic bronchitis smoke or have smoked previously. Symptoms usually begin after age 40.

Signs of the chronic form: frequent cough with a large amount of sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath on physical exertion, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections. Severe course causes weakness in the leg muscles, weight loss, swelling of the feet and lower legs. Shortness of breath is more characteristic of chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is the most common form of COPD.

How the type of bronchitis is determined and when a doctor is needed

The diagnosis is based on history: symptoms and family history. Next — pulmonary function testing, chest X-ray or CT, blood tests. A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks requires another explanation: for example, post-infectious cough is considered.

• cough lasting longer than 3 weeks that does not become easier;
• blood or blood-streaked sputum;
• chest pain that comes and goes or worsens with breathing and coughing;
• shortness of breath, a feeling of air hunger.

Particular attention is required for age over 65 years, pregnancy, diabetes, heart, lung, and kidney diseases, and weakened immunity. Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and tachycardia in acute bronchitis may indicate pneumonia.

Bronchitis by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if the person is gasping for air, gulping air with the mouth and unable to speak; the lips or skin have become very pale, blue, or gray; sudden confusion has appeared; a child cannot be woken or is lethargic.

This is reference material about terms and signs. It does not replace a doctor's consultation.

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