Bronchitisis a common respiratory infection that many people experience at one time or another.
Its characterized by upper respiratory symptoms and a cough.
While most often the condition resolves on its own, in some cases it can lead to further complications.
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Learn about the potential complications associated with both acute and chronic bronchitis.
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Acute vs. ## Can Acute Bronchitis Become Chronic Bronchitis?
Among children aged 5 and over, as well as adults, the most common cause isStreptococcus pneumonia.
To objectively measure symptoms, some people use numbers to guide them.
Daily home spirometry is another way to know if your lung function worsens.
The most important point, however, is to know and listen to your own body.
If you feel concerned about your health for any reason, talk to your practitioner.
Healthcare providers often use theBODE Indexto assess severity in people with COPD, such as chronic bronchitis.
If a bacterial infection is responsible for the exacerbation (such as pneumonia), antibiotics will be needed.
For people who have more than one exacerbation each year, inhaled corticosteroids are usually recommended.
Respiratory Failure
Respiratory failureis, unfortunately, a complication of chronic bronchitis.
Without enough oxygen available, a number of bodily systems experience damage.
It can also result in the buildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
More commonly, respiratory failure begins more gradually.
Respiratory failure is a medical emergency, especially if it develops rapidly.
Treatment usually requires a number of medications (including those that dilate the airways, corticosteroids, etc.)
as well as breathing support.
This may include oxygen, non-invasive ventilatory support, or mechanical ventilation when severe.
Cor Pulmonale
Cor pulmonale orright-sided heart failure, can occur with long-term chronic bronchitis.
The left side of the heart has to be strong and thick to pump blood throughout the body.
These may include:
Cor pulmonale can rapidly become life threatening and is a medical emergency.
In this case, a pneumothorax would be considered secondary due to chronic bronchitis/COPD.
Polycythemia
Polycythemia refers to a high red blood cell count and can have many causes.
Smoking can also cause secondary polycythemia.
Symptoms of polycythemia are related primarily to the increased thickness (viscosity) of the blood.
), they often occur together.
can reduce complications and worsening of both conditions.
But coughing up even a small amount of blood, say a teaspoon, is a medical emergency.
In many cases, treatment of the underlying problem will deal with the hemoptysis.
Summary
Whilebronchitismost often resolves on its own, in some cases it can lead to further complications.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce complications whether you are dealing with acute or chronic lung symptoms.
If you smoke, quit.
Avoid any other triggers that may worsen your symptoms.
And perhaps most importantly, listen to your body.
If something feels not just abnormal, but different for you, talk to your healthcare provider.
Our bodies are pretty good at letting us know when there is a problem…if we only listen.
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