It is essential to treat respiratory tract infections correctly to stop them from progressing.

Bronchitis is a disease of the airways that consists of inflammation of the bronchi, the respiratory tract that carries air to the lungs. The symptoms include a cough, phlegm, mucous, and breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, high temperature and pressure in the chest. It is a very common condition, affects all age groups and usually goes away within a couple of weeks, without any major complications.

Bronchitis tends to be caused by a viral infection, but can also be bacterial. Like other respiratory tract infections, it usually strikes in winter and early spring, mainly due to low temperatures and high levels of humidity.

The respiratory tract is affected by almost 90% of acute bronchitis, an airborne infection which is spread when people cough and when we touch our mouths, noses or eyes with hands contaminated with respiratory fluids from an infected person.

Types of bronchitis

• Acute: this usually sets in after a bout of cold or flu and tends to last for around seven to ten days, although the symptoms are quite severe (dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, high temperature). The cough can sometimes linger on for several months.
• Chronic: this is longer-lasting, and can go on for years. It is an EPOC-type condition (like asthma and emphysema) and is closely linked to smoking. As well as a cough, it can cause wheezing when breathing in and a choking feeling.

Risk factors

It isn’t always possible to prevent acute and chronic bronchitis. However, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the risk.

1. Smoking: This is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. Almost 15% of all smokers have bronchitis. Smoke irritates and inflames bronchial tissues, causing or worsening acute bronchitis. In the long term, many smokers develop COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
2. Respiratory infection: bronchitis may appear as a complication of other respiratory tract infections such as colds, allergies, whooping cough, diphtheria, scarlet fever, or measles, which have not been properly treated.
3. Asthma attacks: a poorly treated asthma attack may trigger a bout of bronchitis.
4. Unhealthy atmospheres: exposure to chemicals, smoke, gases, central heating, contaminating substances like asbestos, dust and flour for long periods can cause inflammation of the bronchial mucous in the long term.

How to treat bronchitis

1. Medicines: your doctor may prescribe syrups to sooth a cough, inhalers to dilate the broncci, mucolytics to get rid of phlegm, analgesics to lower a high temperature and relieve pain and, if he or she suspects bacteria, or a risk of further infection, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. If you are experiencing breathing difficulties, oxygen therapy may be required.
2. Rest: bed rest is usually recommended, with steam inhalation and plenty of fluids to dissolve the expectoration in the lungs.
3. Hygiene: wash your hands often to reduce exposure to all types of microbes. Try to avoid substances that irritate the lungs, such as second-hand smoke, dust, gases, steam, and contaminated air.
4. Infusions: linden is an anti-spasmodic plant that can help to relieve a cough. It also has diaphoretic properties that help to increase sweating. It can be helpful to drink two glasses of an infusion made with half a tablespoon of dried flowers every day.
5. Steam with eucalyptus: plants with expectorant properties, like eucalyptus, can help to expel phlegm and built up secretions. Boil 60 grams of leaves per litre of water, and inhale, covering your head with a towel.

Children are particularly at risk of suffering from respiratory complications, since their respiratory and immune systems are weaker. That is why you must take children to the paediatrician if the mucous, cough, chest congestion or snoring do not go away.

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)