BronchitisWhat are the Symptoms and Treatments

Learning about the issues concerning chronic and acute bronchitis progression can answer your question if it is really contagious.

Chronic bronchitis is the infection and inflammation of mucosal membranes and bronchial tubes, which generates excessive mucus production. These high levels of mucus production in the person’s respiratory tract are only the inflammatory response of the body to the bronchial infection and irritation. Excess mucus disturbs the normal respiratory process by reducing significant amounts of air going to the lungs. The chronic bronchitis symptoms include difficult breathing, breath shortness, wheezing, discomfort, chest pain, and cough produced by mucus.

Chronic bronchitis can generate time-persistent and recurrent symptoms which can intensify as its progresses. Chronic bronchitis displays characteristics of productive coughs, greater susceptibility to respiratory tract’s viral and bacterial infections, and little responsiveness when treated by medications. Chronic bronchitis can last for tree months or more and reoccurs after two years. Today, there is still no specific treatment for chronic bronchitis.

Compared to sufferers of acute bronchitis, patients who are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis never respond to antibiotics treatments that well. The excess mucus in the bronchial tubes can facilitate bacterial proliferation and other organisms which causes infections. The disease can become very severe on the area where infections occur. Cilia barriers or the respiratory system’s natural defenses are ineffective to antibiotics for curing chronic bronchitis completely. Thus treating chronic bronchitis is focused on relieving the existing symptoms to prevent further development of other complications.

Patients in their incipient stages of chronic bronchitis perceived symptoms usually at night or in the morning. Patients who have advanced chronic bronchitis suffer from inflamed respiratory tract because of mucus obstruction. This condition generates persistent and intense cough or also known as the “smokers cough”. Sufferers of chronic bronchitis can also acquire pulmonary problems and may develop severe lung diseases such as emphysema and pneumonia.

As time goes on, patients with chronic bronchitis may experience poor blood oxygenation and hypoventilation or accelerated, shallow breathing. Complicated chronic bronchitis may also result to cyanosis or a condition wherein the skin turns bluish suggesting that pneumonia or emphysema is present.

Smoking alone cannot be considered as the main cause of developing chronic bronchitis. However, the illness occurs in most cases on regular smokers. Keep in mind that smoking contributes greatly on bacterial proliferation slowing down the process of healing the respiratory organs and tissues. Sometimes, asthma is often linked with chronic bronchitis due to similarities of symptoms. But patients who suffer both from chronic bronchitis and asthma may experience relapse of symptoms and shows unresponsiveness to medical treatments.

In some cases, chronic bronchitis becomes the consequences of mistreated or untreated acute bronchitis and other diseases associated with respiratory system. Chronic bronchitis is also caused by too much exposure to airborne pollutants such as chemicals and dusts.

Acute bronchitis is general are caused by infections of the lungs. Ten percent of these infections are bacterial in origin, ninety percent are viral. However, chronic bronchitis is caused by more than one factor. Acute bronchitis which repetitively attacks a person can irritate and weaken the bronchial airways resulting to chronic bronchitis.

Another culprit of chronic bronchitis is industrial pollution. Higher rates of patients are metal molders, grain handlers, cola miners, and works with continuous exposures to dusts. High sulfur dioxide concentrations present in the atmosphere also worsen chronic bronchitis symptoms. However, if it is an asthmatic bronchitis, it is not contagious.

Bronchitis can be contagious if the bacteria and viruses are transmitted to another person by indirect or direct contact. The fluid from the nose or mouth of the infected person can spread out by coughing, sneezing, sharing the same utensils and drinking glasses, and touching handkerchiefs or tissues. 

Bronchitis caused by viral colds is not considered contagious because the virus can finish its cycle for a few days. But patients with bronchitis, who still display cold symptoms, can be contagious. If the person is sick for more than ten days, then you don’t have to worry since it is only the aftermath resistance of bronchitis. But if the condition never yet exceed the ten day period, then it is contagious. Beware of catching particles when the patient coughs because you can be inflicted with the virus. The viral infection caused by flu and colds are contagious. Healthy people should never worry but needs extra care.

My grandpa is 80 years old and has Emphysema. He also has diabetes, has had 2 heart attacks, bi-pass surgery (within the last 20 years) and has to be on oxygen constantly. My grandma came over today and before she left, she told me that I "really need to get over to see my grandpa". The way she said it kind of freaked me out. I'm feeling like she knows something that I don't. And I didn't want to push by asking. How long do people live with Emphysema?

No one can really tell you how long people with emphysema can live. I was dx. 10 yrs ago with severe emphysema. Many people in my support group are in their 70's and 80's and still going. Your grandfather has other serious complications in addition to his emphysema, all of which are life threatening. I'd suggest you see your grandpa as much as you can for as long as you can. I promise you, you won't regreat it. My best to you and your grandparents

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2 weeks ago i was diagnosed with bronchitis, ear infection. I feel much better but i cant stop coughing. Its not a dry cough really. Its clear mucous. I feel like its overwhelming to keep coughing over and over. I dont know when this will stop. What do you know about this?

I’ve had bronchitis many times; and my cough has always lasted way beyond when I start to feel better. The cough could last anywhere from 2-5 weeks after. Just suck on some peppermint lozenges, Werther’s Originals, life savers, lemon drops or whatever you have. That should help some.

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They recently diagnosed me with Asthma and have me on two types of inhalers.
I really think it's Chronic Bronchitis.

What symptoms distinguish these two ailments from each other?
I'm 42 and lived with a smoker for 25 years.

Chronic bronchitis is usually found only in heavy smokers. Asthma usually presents itself at a very young age while the other one presents in the 50+ age group. Chronic bronchitis is also associated with a lot of sputum production when compared to asthma. Asthma can also be due to some medication, food, pollen or dust to which you are allergic to.

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My grandfather is in his 80s and has emphysema ( I think from being around absestos). We have air filters and central A/C and try to reduce his exposure to odors. The main problem is my grandmother. She insists on hanging out sheets and vacuuming while he's in the room. She also uses this 30 year old vacuum and refuses to try one with a HEPA. She says hers was the best on the market when she bought it. It throws tons of dust into the air. She doesn't wear perfume and she's very aware of when he's using his inhalers (he also has asthma). She just doesn't seem to get the fact that some things are out there that can help her help him breathe better. They see several different doctors so none of them know everything about what happens at home. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience AND what they did. Also if anyone knows of websites or sources that are really good maybe proof would knock some sense into her. She's a wonderful woman just very old school.
He obviously leaves the room when my Gramma is vaccuming. I'm just worried about what's still in the air hours later. I know I have read things such as don't hang wash out and use air purifiers etc. They avoid environments were people smoke (such as only going to smoke free restuarants and not going to the homes of persons who smoke). He also uses the masks a lot when he's out doors. He loves sitting on the porch and often will wear them at home. My gramma is stubborn and I guess I was just looking for specific websites that reiterate the cleaning things so I have something specific to show her. She's old school and doesn't believe word of mouth stuff that she didn't grow up with. But if I can show her specific ressearch or even just websites or newspaper articles she's more likely to believe it. Unfortunately, saying "some guy on the internet said" won't cut it with her. I really do appreciate everyone's responses. And I wish good health on you who are suffering as well.

Before there were vacuums there was and for me still is the damp mop with a sprinkling of disinfectant for picking up all the dust .Then theres the dusting above the floor again damp cloth,then all the polishing of both floors and above.
Emphysema to me, also with others that Ive spoken to seems to have an attachment of anxiety when dust is seen flying our way and it does hurt its a burning sensation in your throat and chest.I have just find out why one of my old friends with Emphy whose 86yo/ but his lung is only 70 still likes a beer or two.It truly helps them to relax so much that they're breathing like a normal person for a while under the influence, and I think good on you live.I am 57yo/ with a lung of a 90 yo/ . So each time we meet at the Hospital classes and we're called together we have a good laugh in finding out if we all have the same age lungs.Look after your Grandad and mention to Nan that she will have no one to clean for soon.Ask if she could go back to the real old school, mops etc washing ceilings,walls then to polish. Every day

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They can't have cough drops, or over the counter "cough" medicine anymore. I try and coax him to drink water, but that doesn't even really work. Can I use Vicks vapor rub on his nose/throat?
This is even hard because I can't always find a solution to stop by coughing tickle, so I'm really struggling to find a method that works for my son.
We already have a humidifier going in his room… I'm sure its helping, but not stopping the cough!

Vicks is perfectly safe for little ones. Use some on his chest/neck, and back, and then cover the soles of his feet with it, and put socks on him. It works wonders (even on adults)! Also, try Triaminic thin strips (they dissolve on the tongue) and work pretty well for my kids. The Vicks on the feet, though, works better than anything I've ever tried.

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I am doing an essay on the Lungs and bronchitis and I came across a website that says " Chronic Obstructive Pulmanory Disease" Refers to 2 lung diseases Chronic Bronchitis and emphysema which is obstruction to the airflow. I know about bronchitis, but I was wondering if there is a difference between the two. thanks
thanks for the info everyone, im having a look at the pdf now. it looks really good by the way cheers

Perhaps Bronchitis can be cured? I should think so. Anything with 'itis' at the end means an inflammation of, i think. Emphysema is, eventually, fatal.

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Generally, bronchitis is the irritation ad inflammation of the bronchial tubes as well as neighboring organs and tissues that are accessories in breathing. The main purpose of the bronchial tubes is to filter the air that passes through the respiratory tract as it sets out to the lungs. These tubes are covered with small hair-like projections that thwart irritants or dirt (such as dust or pollen) from entering the crucial parts of the respiratory tract. These hair-like projections are called cilia. But long term contact with chemicals, viruses, or even dust particles will facilitate these irritants to shatter the respiratory system’s natural defenses which will eventually cause infection and inflammation.

Asthmatic bronchitis is a category of COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This type of pulmonary disease is typically acquired by individuals suffering from chronic bronchitis and it is also hard to differentiate from other lung diseases because their symptoms are quite similar. Other similar respiratory tract diseases are sinusitis, bronchitis, emphysema, and the common asthma.

As an overview, asthma is persistent inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract that causes the airway passages to be extra sensitive, mucus production, and mucus edema. What differentiates asthma from other obstructive lung diseases is that it is mostly reversible, with or without treatment. Individuals afflicted with asthma may experience symptom-free episodes interchanging with acute asthmatic attacks which could last for as little as a few minutes to as long as days. Factors that set off asthmatic attacks are similar to that of asthmatic bronchitis (such as smoking, dust, etc.) but common asthma is primarily triggered by allergens. Common allergens may be due to the season (weed pollens or grass tree) or persistent (dust, roaches, or animal dander). Most asthmatic individuals are very sensitive to an assortment of triggers.

Meanwhile, the primary cause of bronchitis is bacterial infections, but asthmatic bronchitis is thought to be activated by tiny specks that break through the safety walls made of cilia of the bronchial tubes. And like other COPDs, asthmatic bronchitis also involves congestion of the respiratory tract. Bronchial tubes produce mucus under normal circumstances, this mucus covers the trachea, lungs and other organs in the respiratory system. Nonetheless, in the existence of irritants, an overproduction of mucus occurs, which consequently obstructs the airways. Continuous mucoid obstruction of the respiratory tract is fairly widespread among asthmatic bronchitis patients.

Causative factors that may have contributed to the development of asthmatic bronchitis are relentless childhood infections, hyperactivity of the bronchus or immunologic aberrations. Individuals who are either long suffering from asthma and/or other grave types of chronic bronchitis are also highly vulnerable to asthmatic bronchitis.

Furthermore, individuals who are suffering from chronic bronchitis eventually contracts asthmatic bronchitis due to long term exposure to pollutants or environmental toxins and mainly cigarette smoking. Although many medical professionals are still in the shadows of what the precise cause of asthmatic bronchitis, studies increasingly shows that it is primarily caused by environmental factors.

General symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis includes dyspnea or difficulty of breathing and shortness of breath, cough, chest discomforts, wheezing that lasts for several weeks, fatigue or general malaise, pain, weight loss, a general feeling of soreness, and high risk of susceptibility to infections. Although these are also observed among common asthmatic patients, individuals suffering from asthmatic bronchitis have symptoms that are more profound. These symptoms also have higher frequencies compared to the common asthma. An additional warning sign is the difficulty of reaching high or low notes when singing.

Medical treatment for asthmatic bronchitis is similar to that of chronic bronchitis. Medications include bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics. But these treatments do not really cure the illness; it helps in alleviating its symptoms and as much as possible give comfort to the patient.

A lot of asthmatic bronchitis sufferers are obliged to take long term treatments which help improve their health situation after an extensive time. Patients are counseled to steer clear from irritants like dust, pollen, smoke, chemicals, and alcohol fumes. They are also advised to avoid bacterial infection, thus they should avoid crowds as much as possible. If it is unavoidable, patients are obliged to wear masks to cover their nose and mouth to prevent bacteria from entering the respiratory tract.

Patients are also required to obtain influenza vaccines. They should also be educated about other precautionary measures to avoid further viral or bacterial infection.

Help! I have lost my voice and I have a horrible cough that hurts. My throat isn't terribly sore but my chest is. I would like some kind of lozenge to help my voice and possibly stop me from coughing. I don't react well to most over the counter medicines and cough syrup…they usually either put me to sleep (even the non drowsy kind) or they just don't work. I would really like some suggestions on home cough remedies and lozenges to help me feel better.

I hate being sick!!!!! I just don't have time for it!
I have a cold
I can't use strepsils….I live in the U.S., they are only available in the UK…thanks though

What's really good is just hard candies, like peppermints or lemon drops. For lozenges, choose one with menthol or honey-lemon. You should be steaming yourself, too. In a warm shower, then with a coolmist humidifier as you sleep.

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My dad is in dementia and lives far away and he has pneumonia and they have him in the hospital. I know a lot of times frail people like him die and I expect that, but what is it like to die from pneumonia, ? Is it painful ??? do they keep them sedated ?? What is it like ? He has smoked for 80 years and I really don't see him coming home, but since I can't be there because I am sick, chronic, what is death to pneumonia like in elderly frail people. ?

Don't worry. They'll keep him comfortable and sedated. He won't suffer. My Mom was at the point where she needed a respirator to breathe and she had made it clear that she did not want to live that way. We had them remove it, but first asked the doctors straight up if this was going to cause her a lot of distress. They said no and assured us that she was heavily sedated and wouldn't suffer. We were there when they removed her from the respirator and it was just like she was going to sleep.

I'm sorry about your Dad, but rest assured the doctors have the means and will do everything possible to keep him comfortable. Best of luck to you.

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