In some cases, chronic bronchitis may be permanent.
When it occurs with decreased airflow, it is calledchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This article explains the differences between acute and chronic bronchitis and how long each one lasts.
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It also describes how each of the conditions is diagnosed and treated.
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Chronic vs.
Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis isinflammationof the large airways of the lungs, calledbronchi.
Acute and chronic bronchitis are two forms of the disease that differ by more than just their duration.
Acute bronchitis is infectious, while chronic bronchitis is primarily resulting from tobacco smoking.
Because of this, the ways that each condition is treated and prevented differ.
Youll becontagious through the cold or flu sickness phaseat least a few days and maybe even a week.
There is some evidence that honey can help ease throat scratchiness and pain as well as acute coughing.
It can be a persistent problem that lasts for the rest of your life.
Symptoms can flare up in what are known asacute exacerbations.
During these flare-ups, additional treatments may be needed to bring the symptoms under control.
With acute bronchitis, however, the diagnosis can usually be made based on your signs and symptoms alone.
A chest X-ray may be ordered if pneumonia is suspected.
Determining these things will help direct the appropriate course of treatment.
Acute Bronchitis
The focus of treatment for acute bronchitis is supportive care and symptom management.Antibioticsare infrequently used.
Antibiotics are reserved for cases of severelower respiratory infectionsand are not used to treat anupper respiratory infection.
The overuse of antibiotics can lead toantibiotic resistance.
Extended or aggressive coughing fits can irritate or injure the tissues in the throat, causing bleeding and injury.
Summary
Acute bronchitis is typically because of an infection.
Uncomplicated cases usually clear up in a week or two.
As the vast majority of cases are resulting from a virus, antibiotics are not commonly used.
Chronic bronchitis is mainly resulting from smoking and is strongly linked to COPD.
Symptoms persist off and on for at least two years and sometimes for a lifetime.
If your cough does not seem to be improving or worsens after 10 days, see your doctor.
If the cough lingers beyond three weeks, call your doctor.
Bronchitis can make you feel miserable and not able to do much for about a week or more.
The cough can keep you up at night, and you may tire quickly.
You will know you are turning a corner when your chest congestion loosens and you have more energy.
Your cough will likely be more productive and may sound worse, but you will start to feel better.
Bronchitis can worsen and become pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a serious condition where the lungs fill with fluid and breathing becomes more difficult.
Symptoms of pneumonia include:
If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor.
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