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Acute tracheobronchitis
Symptoms of bronchitis
If it is acute bronchitis, the onset is usually quite sudden and symptoms may include fever, cough, and expectoration. Some patients may experience bloody sputum or symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. Coughing and expectoration often continue for two to three weeks, after which most patients can recover. If it is chronic bronchitis, the onset is often gradual, and symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, and wheezing occur repeatedly. The episodes each year may last for more than three months.
How is acute bronchitis treated?
Firstly, general treatment involves plenty of rest, drinking water, quitting smoking, avoiding strenuous activities, and so on. Secondly, medication is used, starting with symptomatic treatment. For example, for a cough with little or no phlegm, cough suppressants can be used; for thick sputum, expectorants are needed; antipyretic analgesics can be used for fever; and if there is bronchospasm accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath, asthma medication is necessary. Additionally, the use of antibiotics is dependent on evidence of bacterial infection, and common types such as macrolides, penicillins, and cephalosporins must be used under the guidance of a physician.
Causes of bronchitis
Bronchitis is mostly caused by the invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the body, affecting the bronchi. Common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, rhinovirus, adenovirus, mycoplasma, chlamydophila, and it might also be due to infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Bordetella. It often occurs when the body's immune system is compromised, due to staying up late, being exposed to cold, lack of sleep, or getting wet in rain. During the acute phase, symptoms such as high fever, chills, coughing, spitting phlegm, and breathing difficulty may occur. It's important to detect and treat it early to prevent it from turning into chronic bronchitis.
How to stop coughing in acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa caused by various pathogenic factors, with coughing being one of the common symptoms of acute bronchitis. So, how can patients stop coughing when they have acute bronchitis? If the cough is dry or there is little phlegm, antitussive and cough suppressant medications can be used. If the cough produces phlegm that is hard to expel, medications that thin the mucus should be chosen. Treatment can be administered orally or through nebulization. Additionally, drinking more water and having a lighter diet can also help suppress the cough.
Acute bronchitis fever lasts for several days.
Generally, in cases of acute bronchitis, the fever may last for three to five days. This duration varies depending on each patient's constitution and the severity of their condition, so the timeframe differs for everyone. It is advised not to worry too much. By following the guidance of a doctor and actively carrying out symptomatic treatment, one can manage. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medications should be taken; otherwise, physical methods of cooling should be used. Drinking plenty of water helps promote excretion. Acute bronchitis typically has a sudden onset, usually accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, or chest tightness and breathing difficulties. During such times, it's recommended to follow a doctor’s guidance and possibly use nebulized inhalation for treatment and symptom relief. This may involve inhaling steroids or bronchodilator medications to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, it is important to maintain fresh and flowing air indoors, with appropriate temperature and humidity levels.