Causes of bronchitis

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Acute bronchitis can generally be diagnosed by combining clinical symptoms and corresponding auxiliary examinations. Common symptoms initially include fever, headache, and sore throat, followed by cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sputum production, and wheezing. Routine blood tests, C-reactive protein, and mycoplasma tests are necessary, along with a chest X-ray. The X-ray may reveal increased and thickened pulmonary markings, confirming the diagnosis of this disease. Antibacterial drugs are selected based on the infecting pathogen, and symptomatic treatment is administered.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
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Does acute bronchitis cause fever?

First, we need to know that acute bronchitis refers to the acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa caused by biological, physical, chemical stimulation, or allergens. The main symptoms in most patients are cough and expectoration. The cough usually presents as a dry cough or a small amount of viscous sputum. Over time, the amount of sputum may increase, or the cough may worsen. A small proportion of patients may have bloody sputum. The cough and expectoration can last for two to three weeks, and in very rare cases, some patients may develop chronic bronchitis if the condition does not resolve. However, for most patients, the primary manifestations are still localized, that is, symptoms like cough and sputum. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, generally present mildly.

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Written by Han Shun Li
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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.