Most people with acute bronchitis will feel better with time and rest. Related information on Australian websitesīronchitis is inflammation of the larger airways in your lungs the inflammation causes you to cough.Īcute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, such as cold viruses or influenza virus.Ĭhronic bronchitis is usually related to smoking.What are the complications of bronchitis?.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).What Is COPD? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. RELATED: 12 Ways to Breathe Better With COPDĮveryday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. Get V accinated Staying up to date on vaccinations, including those for COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia, can help prevent chest infections, which can be dangerous - even life-threatening - for people with chronic bronchitis.Also avoid secondhand smoke, exhaust fumes, strong perfumes, cleaning products, paint/varnish, excessive dust, and pollution. “A simple mask can protect you when you’re in situations where you’re exposed to dust, fumes, or other irritants in the air,” says Dr. Avoid Other Lung Irritants Smoking isn’t the only thing that exacerbates chronic bronchitis.“But when you stop smoking, your bronchitis symptoms will improve. Simoff, MD, a pulmonologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “Once you’ve lost lung function, you can’t get it back,” says Michael G. Stop Smoking This is the most important way to improve symptoms and avoid further damage to your airways.There are also lifestyle measures you can take to feel better and keep your chronic bronchitis from getting worse. The goal of these programs is to help you stay active and carry out your everyday activities. Pulmonary Rehabilitation This combination of fitness training, breathing exercises, and nutrition counseling is individually tailored to your COPD.Oxygen Therapy If your lungs are not getting enough oxygen to your blood (hypoxemia), your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen, which involves getting additional oxygen from a tank through nasal prongs or a mask.Steroids and Anti-Inflammatory Medications These medications reduce inflammation in the airways.Bronchodilator Medications These drugs, administered through handheld inhalants or nebulizer machines, relax the muscles around the airways.RELATED: What Are the Four Stages of COPD and the Gold System for Grading?Ĭhronic bronchitis is not curable, but there are a number of treatments that can provide symptom relief and slow the progression of the disease. It can help determine if you need oxygen therapy. To get this measurement, a small sensor is taped or clipped onto your finger, toe, earlobe, or forehead.Ĭhest X-Ray or Computed Tomography Scan These tests create pictures of the heart and lungs that can show signs of chronic bronchitis or indicate whether your symptoms are caused by another health issue, such as a heart problem.Īrterial Blood Gas Test This is a blood test that is used to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. Pulse Oximetry An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your doctor will ask you to take a deep breath and blow as hard as you can into a tube that is hooked up to a machine that measures how much air you exhale and how fast. Spirometry This is a test that evaluates lung function. Physical Exam This will include using a stethoscope to listen for wheezing or other unusual chest sounds. A smoking history is commonly associated with the diagnosis.Ī definitive diagnosis of chronic bronchitis generally requires several tests, including: A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis typically requires an ongoing productive cough (meaning it brings up mucus) that lasts for three months and comes back two or more years in a row.
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