If you get a productive cough in the winter, you're probably suffering from bronchitis. This is especially likely if it follows a cold or a bout of the flu. Bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory tract infections and it affects people of all ages but especially afflicts seniors aged over 50. So what is it exactly?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes - the medium sized airways in your lungs. The lining becomes irritated and produces mucus making it more difficult for you to breath. Coughing results as the lungs try to expel the irritation. The mucus is normally green or yellowish green.
Other than coughing and the discharge of phlegm, the symptoms of bronchitis can include wheezing, shortage of breath and fever. In severe cases, chest pains can result along with fatigue and a feeling of malaise.
Essentially, there are two causes for bronchitis - pathogen or irritant. Pathogens are either bacteria or viruses; irritants include tobacco smoke, pollutants, allergens such as pollen and dust.
Cases of bronchitis caused by pathogens tend to clear up without treatment in about a week to ten days. However, in some cases, the cough may become persistent and last for several weeks.
Bronchitis is of two types, acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis (also known as sudden onset) may accompany or closely follow a cold or the flu as the infection moves down into the lungs from the nasal and oral cavities. However, it can also occur on its own. Acute bronchitis is generally simple to treat and rarely results in complications. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious, long-term condition which results continual irritation of the airways.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes - the medium sized airways in your lungs. The lining becomes irritated and produces mucus making it more difficult for you to breath. Coughing results as the lungs try to expel the irritation. The mucus is normally green or yellowish green.
Other than coughing and the discharge of phlegm, the symptoms of bronchitis can include wheezing, shortage of breath and fever. In severe cases, chest pains can result along with fatigue and a feeling of malaise.
Essentially, there are two causes for bronchitis - pathogen or irritant. Pathogens are either bacteria or viruses; irritants include tobacco smoke, pollutants, allergens such as pollen and dust.
Cases of bronchitis caused by pathogens tend to clear up without treatment in about a week to ten days. However, in some cases, the cough may become persistent and last for several weeks.
Bronchitis is of two types, acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis (also known as sudden onset) may accompany or closely follow a cold or the flu as the infection moves down into the lungs from the nasal and oral cavities. However, it can also occur on its own. Acute bronchitis is generally simple to treat and rarely results in complications. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious, long-term condition which results continual irritation of the airways.