Is acute bronchitis serious?

Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
Updated on November 16, 2024
00:00
00:00

Patients with acute bronchitis usually do not experience severe conditions. Acute bronchitis typically presents symptoms of dry cough and is generally self-limiting, usually not leading to severe consequences. However, it is important to note that patients with acute bronchitis may sometimes experience significant chest tightness and wheezing, which can be particularly prominent in children and may even lead to respiratory failure. Additionally, acute bronchitis can sometimes be associated with other conditions, such as bacterial pneumonia. If combined with bacterial pneumonia, it could also lead to severe complications like respiratory failure. In such cases, the patient's condition is relatively severe, and close observation of the condition is necessary.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
44sec home-news-image

Is acute bronchitis severe?

Acute bronchitis is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract that requires timely treatment. If not treated promptly, it may turn into chronic bronchitis or cause other complications, which are detrimental to health. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat the disease early. If the infection is due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or diplococcus, intravenous drip of penicillin antibiotics can be administered. During the acute phase, it is also advisable to choose antipyretic medications, as well as medications to dilute sputum and relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms for symptomatic treatment. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
40sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
55sec home-news-image

Can you eat taro with acute bronchitis?

Patients with acute bronchitis can appropriately eat taro, but it is recommended that they avoid spicy, greasy, and cold foods; however, eating taro is still acceptable. Patients with acute bronchitis should also avoid drinking alcohol, coffee, strong tea, and smoking. Additionally, they should avoid excessive fatigue, staying up late, and other similar situations. For acute bronchitis patients, it's important to provide symptomatic cough treatment and monitor their condition. Although some acute bronchitis cases are caused by viral infections, and most patients have viral infections, these patients do not necessarily require antibiotic treatment. However, if a patient has conspicuous purulent sputum, it could be an indication of bacterial bronchitis, or even a possible complication with pneumonia, and these conditions require active investigation and might need anti-infection treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
1min 10sec home-news-image

Acute bronchitis nursing measures

In cases of acute bronchitis, symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection are usually present, such as cough, phlegm, or soreness and swelling of the throat. Additionally, there may also be symptoms of breathing difficulties or chest tightness. It is advised that everyone actively seeks symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor. If fever is present, it is crucial to manage the fever promptly, drink plenty of water, and promote excretion. If coughing and phlegm are severe, it is important to maintain clear airways and facilitate the expulsion of sputum. Nebulized inhalation methods can also be used to treat and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, drinking more water can help promote excretion. If symptoms of limb soreness and weakness are present, it is time to rest more, avoid overexertion, and appropriate massage may also be beneficial. It’s essential to ensure that indoor air is fresh and that the temperature and humidity are kept at comfortable levels.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
51sec home-news-image

What should be paid attention to in acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is one of the common respiratory diseases, clinically characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and expectoration. For those afflicted with acute bronchitis, it's important to rest, drink plenty of water, avoid exhaustion, eat light meals, quit smoking, and ensure the room is well-ventilated. These measures are beneficial for the recovery from acute bronchitis. Additionally, it's vital to follow the doctor's advice for active medication. If there is a bacterial infection, sensitive antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a physician. Furthermore, under medical guidance, medications to suppress cough, facilitate expectoration, and relieve asthma should be used. Generally, with bronchitis, the prognosis is good, and timely treatment can bring the condition under control.