Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an irritation of the airways often caused by irritants (tobacco smoke…) or an infection. The patient starts coughing due to the inflamed bronchi (air tubes) with commonly increased mucus production. Swelling makes it difficult to get air in and out of the lungs. Symptoms include a frequent cough that produces mucus, lack of energy, and sometimes fever or a wheezing sound when breathing. Acute (short-term) bronchitis is often due to an airway infection caused by a virus or bacteria. It can be treated with fluids, rest, hot showers to loosen the mucus, and cough syrups. When the cause is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. When bronchitis persists and recurs the following year, it is considered chronic (long term). Cigarette smoking is the principal cause of chronic bronchitis. Many people neglect chronic bronchitis until it is in an advanced state. They mistakenly believe the disease is not life-threatening. However, smoking cessation and other treatments are necessary to prevent permanent lung damage that can lead to serious respiratory problems.