Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the medical name for an inflammation of the airways within the lungs. It occurs when infection or other factors cause the bronchi (air passages) and trachea (primary air passage) to become enlarged. There are two recognized forms of bronchitis. They are acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is typically an infection-based inflammation of the airways and is typically similar to the common cold. Chronic bronchitis is typically caused by a sustained irritation of the airways and may be accompanied by a chronic cough, lasting anywhere from months to years.

Acute bronchitis, in healthy individuals will likely go away on its own and can be treated with over the counter medication intended to control symptoms. However, if bronchitis is caused by a viral infection an accompanied by more severe symptoms, a doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin. If left untreated under severe conditions, bronchitis can lead to pneumonia. Viral bronchitis, like any virus, is contagious and others should be avoided until symptoms recede.

Chronic bronchitis is more difficult to treat and is a sub-category of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD can interfere with the blood's ability to absorb oxygen, causing a chronic shortness of breath and buildup of carbon dioxide. Chronic bronchitis can be treated with respiratory inhalers or other medications but must be closely monitored to ensure it does not develop into a more serious form of COPD.

Chronic bronchitis can also be caused by smoking. It is estimated that most individuals who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day have some degree of chronic bronchitis or "smokers cough." The easiest way to eliminate symptoms of this nature is to quit smoking.