Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the tubes that stem from the windpipe (trachea) and into the lungs. The bronchial tubes carry air from the windpipe into the lungs during inhalation, and from the lungs back to the windpipe during exhalation. The inflammation results in swelling, often rendering the tubes constricted, and making the passage of air more difficult. During bronchitis, the lining of the bronchial tubes will tend to make more mucus, causing a blockage in the air passages, and thereby triggering coughing.
According to statistics there are more than 10 million people in the United States who catch chronic bronchitis (CB) each year. Of these cases, 7 out of 10 are aged over 45 years old. Studies indicate that the number of women affected by bronchitis is double the number of men who get the disease. Despite these statistics, note that bronchitis can affect anyone at any age, and both genders get the disease. Those with weakened immune systems, either due to age or illness, are more prone to catch the disease.
There are 2 types of bronchitis. As for signs and symptoms, there are 11 to watch out for.
The types of bronchitis are Acute and Chronic. Read on for more details.
1. Acute Bronchitis
Acute Bronchitis, also referred to as AB, and also called a chest cold, is when the signs and symptoms of bronchitis manifest in a person for 7 to at most 10 days. The cough may remain beyond the 10 days, often tapering off to just reflex coughing as opposed to being productive with phlegm, but the other signs and symptoms of the illness would be gone.
2. Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis, also referred to as CB, is when the signs and symptoms of bronchitis, same as those in AB, either persist or keep manifesting again and again. This condition would usually affect those who have asthma, emphysema, or other cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or COPD. Smokers are also prone to suffer from chronic bronchitis.
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