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By definition, the term “bronchitis” is literally defined as the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Commonly, the term is used to refer to a condition known as acute bronchitis (a viral illness that causes coughing and chest pain) which gets better within a short time frame. Another lesser-known type of this disease is called chronic bronchitis, which is caused by long-term damage to the airways and has no cure. In any case, both conditions cause the inflammation of the airways.

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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BRONCHITIS?

First of all, the acute bronchitis is frequently caused by exposure to cold or flu viruses. In fact, some symptoms of acute bronchitis overlap with cold and flu symptoms. When a virus finds its way into the respiratory system, it can settle in the main airways connecting the windpipe to the lungs, causing airway inflammation. Consequently, this leads to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

In addition, some people tend to develop chest or abdominal pain due to the frequency and intensity of their coughs. The amount of mucus, in this case, may build up in the inflamed airways, thus making it harder to breathe clearly and leading to what’s known as a “productive” cough (a cough that produces mucus). After all, acute bronchitis like common colds, the flu, and other viral infections typically gets better within a few weeks.

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Here are some of the causes of acute bronchitis which is most frequently inflicted by viruses:

– Influenza (flu) viruses A and B.

– Parainfluenza virus.

– Certain coronaviruses.

– Rhinoviruses.

– RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

– Human metapneumovirus.

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Second of all, the chronic bronchitis typically develops after decades of lung damage due to smoking, daily exposure to harmful chemicals, and other contributing factors. Over the time, lung damage leads to airway inflammation; causing excess mucus to be produced within the airways. Both inflammation and excess mucus make it more difficult to breathe.

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Here are some of the causes of chronic bronchitis:

– Smoking or vaping (i.e., smoking e-cigarettes).

– Secondhand smoke exposure.

– Exposure to air pollution, forest fires, campfires, cooking fires, chemical fumes, or other indoor or outdoor fires.

– Inhalation of dust.

– A history of frequent lung infections.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHITIS?

People with chronic bronchitis generally have the same symptoms as those with acute bronchitis. They may experience a series of unpleasant health conditions, such as:

– A deep cough.

– A productive cough (i.e., coughing up mucus).

– Nasal congestion.

– Chest pain.

– Wheezing.

– Shortness of breath.

– Fever.

– Chills.

– Headache.

– Body aches.

– Abdominal pain.

– Persistent cough that may last three months or occurring for at least two consecutive years.