Bronchitisis a highly preventable condition that can beacute or chronic.
Smoking is the major risk factor for chronic bronchitis.
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How Common Is Bronchitis?
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Bronchitis is one of the most common reasons why U.S. adults are admitted to the hospital.
Acute bronchitis most commonly affects young children, while chronic bronchitis is most prevalent in people 65 and older.
Declining smoking rates have led to reduced chronic bronchitis rates.
In 2018, females were twice as likely as males to have chronic bronchitis.
Age
Young children and older adults are at highest risk of developing bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis incidence is highest among infants and young children, particularly before they have completed their vaccination schedule.
During this time viruses such as the common cold may trigger acute bronchitis.
People diagnosed with chronic bronchitis under age 50 have been of particular interest to researchers.
Various irritants cause that inflammation.
Symptoms of acute bronchitis are usually temporary and go away on their own without the need for medication.
Acute bronchitis is most commonly triggered by viruses.
Therefore, antibiotics are not effective in treating it.
Young children are at the highest risk of acute bronchitis.
It can develop intopneumonia(lung inflammation and/or infection).
Chronic bronchitis is potentially life-threatening if left untreated.
It is a form ofchronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In 2022, 358 people in the United States were reported to have died from chronic or unspecified bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis will usually clear up without treatment in seven to 10 days.
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis.
People with chronic bronchitis are more prone to these infections, so these measures are needed.
For many current and former smokers age 50 to 80,lung cancer screeningis recommended.
Summary
Bronchitis may be acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis is a common problem usually brought on by colds or the flu.
It normally clears up in a little over a week.
It causes ongoing breathing problems.
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