Is this persistent cough bronchitis? (Bronchitis) Let's find out for sure!

Even after a week of getting better after a cold, doesn't this cough just go away? Does it come with phlegm when you cough? Does it feel like a tightness in the chest, maybe a wheezing sound? This is what many people feel when they develop bronchitis. Although this is a very annoying condition, it is nothing to be afraid of. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

Okay, so what is bronchitis?

Simply put, bronchitis is an infection and swelling of the main airways (called bronchi) that carry air to our lungs. Just as a water pipe becomes clogged with dirt, it becomes difficult to drain water, when our airways become swollen, it narrows the airways.

This causes the walls of the airways to become swollen and red, and they start producing more mucus. So the body tries to get rid of this excess mucus by coughing. This is the main reason why bronchitis causes a persistent cough. This cough can last from a few days to two to three weeks.

There are two main types of bronchitis:

When talking about bronchitis, we need to be aware of two main types. There is a big difference between the two.

1. Acute Bronchitis

This is the most common type. It often occurs with a viral infection like a cold or flu. Symptoms like cough, phlegm, and chest tightness can last from a few days to two to three weeks. However, this is a temporary condition. It usually resolves on its own with plenty of rest and no special treatment.

2. Chronic Bronchitis

This is a serious, long-term condition. If someone has a cough with mucus for more than three months a year, for at least two years in a row, we call it chronic bronchitis. This is often more common among smokers. If you have this condition, it can be part of a lung condition called COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) . Therefore, if you have a long-term cough like this, it is very important to see your doctor and get advice.

See if you have these symptoms too.

The main and most bothersome symptom of bronchitis is a cough, but there are several other symptoms that can occur in addition to it.

• Persistent cough: This is the main symptom. This cough can last for about one to three weeks.
• Mucus: Coughing can produce white, yellow, gray, or green mucus. However, it can sometimes come as a dry cough.
• Wheezing: A whistling or rattling sound coming from inside the chest.
• Difficulty breathing: Some people may experience some difficulty breathing.
• Body aches and fatigue: You may feel achy and tired, just like with a common viral fever.
• Normal fever: You may feel feverish, as if your body is overheating.
• Diarrhea : Diarrhea may also occur with this.

Why do we get bronchitis?

There are several reasons why bronchitis develops.

• Viral infections: Viruses cause more than 90% of bronchitis! The main ones are things like the common cold (Rhinovirus), influenza (Influenza), RSV virus, and Coronavirus (Coronavirus).
• Bacterial infections: Very rarely, bronchitis can also be caused by bacteria, but it is very rare.
• Smoking: People who use cigarettes and cigars are at a very high risk of developing chronic bronchitis. People who inhale the smoke of others (passive smoking) are also at high risk.
• This condition can also occur in people who work in jobs where they are frequently exposed to harmful substances in the air: dust, toxic fumes, and chemicals.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms. How long you've had a cough, whether you have phlegm, and whether you have a fever. Then they will listen to your chest with a stethoscope to check the condition of your lungs.

Most of the time, these details alone can diagnose acute bronchitis. However, in some cases, if a more serious condition (such as pneumonia) is suspected, your doctor may refer you for additional tests.

• Chest X-ray: If the cough has been going on for weeks, this can help to see if there is another infection in the lungs.
• Nasal Swab: This test can be done to confirm whether you have a virus like the flu or COVID-19.
• Sputum Test: A sample of your sputum is taken and tested for bacteria or viruses.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: If chronic bronchitis is suspected, these tests are performed to measure the function of your lungs.

How is it treated? - Are antibiotics really necessary?

This is where many people make a mistake. When they get a cough, many people think that taking antibiotics will make them better.

But the truth is, 90% of acute bronchitis is caused by viruses, and antibiotics have no effect. Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria. They have no effect on viruses. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can have adverse effects on the body.

So, the best treatment for acute bronchitis is to control the symptoms while allowing the body to heal itself.

• Get plenty of rest: Resting your body helps your immune system fight off illness.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of fluids like water, soup, and porridge. This will help thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up.
• Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation from a bowl of hot water or taking a hot bath moistens the airways, loosens mucus, and makes breathing easier.
• Painkillers: You can take something like paracetamol for body aches and fever, as advised by your doctor.
• Cough syrups: Some cough syrups can help thin out mucus. However, it's wise to ask your doctor before using cough suppressants, as coughing is the body's way of getting rid of mucus.

A doctor will only prescribe you medication in certain situations. For example, if you have a condition like asthma, they may give you an inhaler (bronchodilator) to make it easier to breathe. Or, they may only prescribe antibiotics if they confirm that you have a bacterial infection.

How to protect yourself from this situation?

It's much better to reduce the chance of developing bronchitis than to suffer from it.

• Wash your hands often: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses.
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke, quit. Stay away from places where others smoke.
• Maintain a strong immune system: Keep your immune system strong through nutritious food, adequate sleep, and exercise.
• Get vaccinated: Getting the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of bronchitis caused by these viruses.
• Protect yourself from dust and smoke: Wear a mask if you are in dusty, smoky environments.

When should you see a doctor?

Acute bronchitis is usually not a serious condition. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should definitely see your doctor without delay. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.

Bronchitis, although annoying, is a condition that can be cured quickly if properly understood, adequate rest is taken, and symptoms are controlled. The most important thing is to seek medical advice if in doubt, rather than self-medicate.

Bronchitis, cough, phlegm, respiratory diseases, fever, bronchitis sinhala, kasasa, sema, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis