Bronchitis, Acute
See also: Lung Disorders
Acute bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. It commonly follows the common cold, influenza, measles or whooping cough. Patients with chronic bronchitis are particularly prone to develop episodes of acute bacterial bronchitis (where their sputum turns from grey or white to yellow or green). Other factors that can predispose to this kind of bacterial infection include cold, damp, dust and cigarette smoking.
Initially there is an irritating, unproductive cough that eventually progresses over a few days to copious, mucopurulent sputum. Infection usually starts in the trachea and progresses to the bronchi and with this spread there is a general febrile disturbance with temperatures of 380 C (100o F) to 39oC (102.2 F). Gradual recovery should occur over the next 4-8 days. However, it may progress to bronchiolitis or bronchopneumonia.
Wikipedia
Acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, is short-term inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) of the lungs. The most common symptom is a cough. Other symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, and chest discomfort. The infection may last from a few to ten days. The cough may persist for several weeks afterwards with the total duration of symptoms usually around three weeks. Some have symptoms for up to six weeks.
In more than 90% of cases the cause is a viral infection. These viruses may be spread through the air when people cough or by direct contact. Risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, and other air pollution. A small number of cases are due to high levels of air pollution or bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Bordetella pertussis. Diagnosis is typically based on a person's signs and symptom.The color of the sputum does not indicate if the infection is viral or bacterial. Determining the underlying organism is typically not needed. Other causes of similar symptoms include asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, and COPD. A chest X-ray may be useful to detect pneumonia.
Prevention is by not smoking and avoiding other lung irritants. Frequent hand washing may also be protective. Treatment of acute bronchitis typically involves rest, paracetamol (acetaminophen), and NSAIDs to help with the fever (see the section on how this line of treatment can lead topneumonia). Cough medicine has little support for its use and is not recommended in children less than six years of age. There is tentative evidence that salbutamol may be useful in those with wheezing; however, it may result in nervousness. Antibiotics should generally not be used. An exception is when acute bronchitis is due to pertussis. Tentative evidence supports honey and pelargonium to help with symptoms.
Acute bronchitis is one of the most common diseases.
About 5% of adults are affected and about 6% of children have at least one episode a year. It occurs more often in the winter. More than 10 million people in the United States visit a doctor each year for this condition with approximately 70% receiving antibiotics, most of which are not needed. There are efforts to decrease the use of antibiotics in acute bronchitis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Bronchitis may be indicated by an expectorating cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and wheezing. On occasion, chest pains, fever, and fatigue or malaise may also occur. In addition, bronchitis caused by Adenoviridae may cause systemic and gastrointestinal symptoms as well. However, the coughs due to bronchitis can continue for up to three weeks or more even after all other symptoms have subsided.
CAUSE
Acute bronchitis can be caused by contagious pathogens, most commonly viruses. Typical viruses include respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, influenza, and others. Bacteria are uncommon pathogens but may include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
- Damage caused by irritation of the airways leads to inflammation and leads to neutrophils infiltrating the lung tissue.
- Mucosal hypersecretion is promoted by a substance released by neutrophils.
- Further obstruction to the airways is caused by more goblet cells in the small airways. This is typical of chronic bronchitis.
- Although infection is not the reason or cause of chronic bronchitis, it is seen to aid in sustaining the bronchitis.
DIAGNOSIS
A physical examination will often reveal decreased intensity of breath sounds, wheezing, rhonchi, and prolonged expiration. Most physicians rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.
A variety of tests may be performed in patients presenting with cough and shortness of breath:
- A chest X-ray is useful to exclude pneumonia which is more common in those with a fever, fast heart rate, fast respiratory rate, or who are old.
- A sputum sample showing neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells) and culture showing that has pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus species.
- A blood test would indicate inflammation (as indicated by a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein).
Acute bronchitis usually lasts a few days or weeks. It may accompany or closely follow a cold or the flu, or may occur on its own. Bronchitis usually begins with a dry cough, including waking the sufferer at night. After a few days, it progresses to a wetter or productive cough, which may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, and headache. The fever, fatigue, and malaise may last only a few days; but the wet cough may last up to several weeks.
Should the cough last longer than a month, some physicians may issue a referral to an otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) to see if a condition other than bronchitis is causing the irritation. It is possible that having irritated bronchial tubes for as long as a few months may inspire asthmatic conditions in some patients.
In addition, if one starts coughing mucus tinged with blood, one should see a physician. In rare cases, physicians may conduct tests to see whether the cause of the bloody sputum is a serious condition such as tuberculosis or lung cancer.
Difference between Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Bronchitis and pneumonia are both respiratory conditions that affect the lungs, but they differ in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatment.
BRONCHITIS
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. It is often caused by viral infections, similar to those that cause colds and flu. There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
- Acute Bronchitis: This is a short-term condition that typically follows a viral infection. Symptoms include a persistent cough, mucus production, fatigue, and slight fever. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.
- Chronic Bronchitis: A form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is characterized by a long-term cough with mucus. Smoking is a major risk factor, and symptoms can persist for months or recur frequently.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms are more severe than bronchitis and include high fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a productive cough.
Key Differences
- Cause: Bronchitis is usually viral, while pneumonia can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
- Symptoms: Pneumonia symptoms are generally more severe and include high fever and chest pain.
- Treatment: Bronchitis often resolves without treatment, while pneumonia may require antibiotics or antiviral medications.
Understanding these distinctions helps in seeking appropriate medical care and ensuring effective treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional if you suspect either condition.
Treatment
Being an acute disorder, its important to give frequent doses of herbs and, if possible, to follow the progression of the infection, adapting the treatment to the various stages:
- Antiseptic herbs such as Inula helenium, Thymus vulgaris and Allium sativum (garlic) should be prescribed throughout the course of the infection and preferably should be continued for 1 week into recovery to prevent relapse.
- During the dry, unproductive cough phase, demulcents such as Altheaglycerin extract should be prescribed. This combines well with a small quantity of licorice.
- Diaphoretic herbs are indicated during the febrile phase, particularly pleurisy root, which is almost a specific for acute lower respiratory tract infections. Its often combined with ginger to enhance its effectiveness. Other diaphoretics such as Tilia and Achilleacan be prescribed.
- Expectorant herbs, which include Inula helenium, Thymus vulgaris,Polygala and other saponin-containing herbs, Foeniculum (fennel), aniseed, white horehound, can be prescribed throughout the course of the disorder.
- Anticatarrhal herbs, especiallyVerbascum, Plantago lanceolata and Hydrastis, may be indicated when the sputum is particularly copious or if the productive cough liners beyond the acute stage.
- Antitussive herbs should be used to help the cough, especially at night, and Prunus serotina(wild cherry) is particularly indicated if tracheitis predominates.
Example Liquid Formula:
| Echinacea purpurea/angustifolia root | 1:2 | 25ml |
|---|---|---|
| *Asclepias tuberosa* | 1:2 | 20ml |
| Zingiber officinale | 1:2 | 5ml |
| Inula helenium | 1:2 | 20ml |
| Glycyrrhiza glabra | 1:1 | 15ml |
| Foeniculum vulgare | 1:2 | 20ml |
| Total | 105ml |
Dose: 5mL with warm water five to six times a day.
A combination of thyme herb and ivy leaves has therapeutic value in acute bronchitis.
Pelargonium sidoides for acute bronchitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Myricetin exerts its antiviral activity against infectious bronchitis virus. Myricetin exerts its antiviral activity against infectious bronchitis virus by inhibiting the deubiquitinating activity of papain-like protease.
Essential Oil Bronchitis chest rub—tea tree 16 drops,,Blue gum 16 drops, Thyme 8 in carrier oil.