Acute Bronchitis: Causes and Symptoms

What is Acute Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis characterizes by inflammation of the bronchial mucosa (lining of the lungs). Emergency departments, urgent care centers, and primary care offices frequently see patients with this condition. It is among the ten most common illnesses seen in outpatient settings in the United States; approximately 5% of adults experience an episode of acute bronchitis each year in the United States. This activity examines the evaluation and management of patients with acute bronchitis, as well as the role of the interprofessional team in the care of patients with this condition. It is designed to be completed in one session.

Moreover, it differs from chronic bronchitis in that it is more severe. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that can recur. It is usually brought on by constant irritation, such as that caused by smoking. Itis a short-term illness that lasts only a few days. The majority of cases improve within a few days, though the cough may persist for several weeks.

Causes

The most common cause of acute bronchitis is a virus that can be spread from person to person. It is caused by the same viruses that cause colds and flu. First and foremost, the virus affects your nose, sinuses, and throat, among other things. After that, the infection spreads to the lining of the bronchial tubes and causes them to close. Swelling and the production of mucus occur as your body attempts to combat the virus.

You can contract a virus either by inhaling it or by coming into contact with it on your skin. If you come into close contact with someone who is suffering from cold or acute bronchitis, your chances of contracting the virus increase.

other causes:

Bacterial or fungal infections are the most common.
Inhalation of irritating substances such as smoke, dust or fumes. If you have already suffered damage to your bronchial tubes, you are at greater risk.

3. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is characterized by heartburn. Getting acute bronchitis is caused by the ingestion of stomach acid into the bronchial tubes.

Symptoms

Acute bronchitis is characterized by symptoms that last less than three weeks and include:

Coughing that produces mucus or does not produce mucus
Chest pain is a common complaint.3.
I’m feeling drained (fatigue)
Headache that is not too bad
Mild muscle aches and pains
Throat discomfort

You will almost certainly develop a cough after contracting the infection. In most cases, the cough will start out dry and then become productive, which means that the cough will produce mucus. A productive cough is the most common symptom of acute bronchitis, and it can last anywhere from ten days to three weeks in severity and duration.

Another symptom that you may notice is a change in the color of your mucus, which may go from white to green or yellow in appearance. This does not necessarily imply that your infection is viral or bacterial in nature. It simply indicates that your immune system is in full swing.