BRONCHITIS is a common respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the bronchial tubes or airways that carry air to the lungs become inflamed, leading to persistent coughing, mucus production and breathing difficulties.
While bronchitis can occur at any time of the year, it is most prevalent during winter, when cold temperatures and seasonal infections contribute to its spread.
Cimas Health Group doctor, Tendai Gwangwara explained that anyone can develop bronchitis, but it is more common in both passive and active smokers, people with weakened immune systems and individuals who are chronically exposed to irritants of the respiratory system.
He said there are two types of bronchitis, namely acute and chronic.
“Acute bronchitis is a short-term illness that lasts for a few days to a few weeks and usually resolves fully whereas chronic bronchitis is a long-term illness in which symptoms are present for several months over consecutive years and is not fully reversible,” Dr Gwangwara said.
“Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses and is contagious, but chronic bronchitis is not contagious though symptoms can be triggered by infectious agents passed from other people.
He continued: “Acute bronchitis can be transmitted through air-borne droplets from infected people, direct contact with an infected individual followed by touching the nose, mouth or ears without practising proper hand hygiene and contact with infected surfaces such as phones, door handles and table tops.”
Dr Gwangwara went on to say bronchitis differs from other respiratory illnesses based on the causes, parts of the respiratory system affected, symptoms, duration and ultimately the treatment modalities.
“While pneumonia affects the air sacs, bronchitis affects the bronchi and is usually less severe. Generally, respiratory tract infections are more prevalent in the colder seasons because people tend to spend more time indoors in close contact with each other,” he noted.
“Cold dry air also favours the survival of viruses, and it irritates the lining of the airways, making them more susceptible to inflammation. Chemical irritants from fuels used to heat homes in cold seasons can also irritate the airways triggering bronchitis.”
Dr Gwangwara said smoking increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis.
“Smoking irritates the airways leading to inflammation and increased mucus which leads to scarring and narrowing of the airway. Exposure to air pollution or occupational hazards can lead to bronchitis,” he said.
“Occupational irritants from occupational exposures such as coal dust, silica, grain dust and welding fumes can lead to development of bronchitis.”
Dr Gwangwara noted that genetic variations that result in differences in how people clear respiratory viruses indirectly influence susceptibility and response to bronchitis.
“A weak immune system makes an individual more susceptible to infections and increases the chance of progression of a simple viral flu to bronchitis,” Dr Gwangwara added.
The earliest signs of bronchitis according to Gwangwara include a cough that is usually dry at first and becomes productive, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
He further notes that it is important for people to distinguish between a common cold, flu and bronchitis.
“A common cold usually has milder symptoms affecting the upper airways such as a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and a mild cough lasting for a few days. Bronchitis is usually more severe, often starting as a common cold which worsens to a more severe cough, chest tightness and usually lasts longer,” Dr Gwangwara said.
“Acute bronchitis is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms and a clinical examination. Chronic bronchitis can be confirmed by pulmonary function tests or spirometry.”
Dr Gwangwara said acute bronchitis is usually self-limiting which means it will run its course and improve in a few weeks, even without treatment.
“If there are severe signs such as fever lasting for days, short ness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood and for patients with chronic lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, early evaluation by a medical doctor is essential,” Dr Gwangwara advised.
“Untreated chronic bronchitis usually leads to more serious lung damage, leading to respiratory failure, loss of quality of life, heart failure and sometimes the need for long-term oxygen therapy.”
Dr Gwangwara added that people with chronic bronchitis are at a higher risk of getting exacerbations during cold weather seasons.
“To avoid development of chronic bronchitis, smoking cessation is advised. People who already have chronic bronchitis should adhere to their treatment plans to prevent its progression,” he said.
“Other preventive measures for bronchitis include regular hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces during outbreaks. Vaccination against respiratory viruses can also reduce incidence of bronchitis.”
He continued: “Treatment of acute bronchitis focuses on relief of symptoms through adequate rest, keeping well-hydrated, pain medications and cough mixtures. Treatment of chronic bronchitis includes making use of medications that reduce inflammation of the airways and open up airways.”
Dr Gwangwara noted that regular flu and pneumonia vaccinations may also help reduce worsening of chronic bronchitis.
“Antibiotics are only recommended when there is evidence or strong suspicion of a bacterial infection. Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance,” he said, adding that vaccinations are paramount in preventing bronchitis.
He said they reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory illnesses which ultimately reduces the incidence of acute bronchitis.
“Natural remedies or alternative treatments can help ease bronchitis symptoms. These include adequate rest, honey for adults, herbal teas such as Zumbani and humidifying indoor air,” he noted.
Dr Gwangwara said eating a healthy diet is also important, adding that the diet should include foods with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties such as garlic and turmeric.
“Early treatment of bronchitis helps reduce the severity of the symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms, always visit your doctor,” Dr Gwangwara said.
