What is Bronchitis? Understanding Causes & Symptoms

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the bronchial tubes, the main airways that carry air to and from our lungs. This disease is common and can affect all age groups, from infants to the elderly. In Vietnam, with its humid tropical climate, coupled with air pollution in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the incidence of respiratory diseases, including bronchitis, is quite high.

To better understand what bronchitis is, we need to learn about its forms, causes, symptoms, and effective ways to prevent and treat it.

Acute and Chronic Bronchitis: The Difference

Bronchitis is divided into two main types: acute and chronic, with different characteristics and health impacts.

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is a sudden and usually short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It often occurs after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu.

• Time:Symptoms usually last a few days to 3 weeks, sometimes a little longer.
• Main cause:

Virus:This is the most common cause, accounting for about 90% of cases. Cold and flu viruses such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza A, and B viruses are the main culprits.Bacteria:Less commonly, bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, or Bordetella pertussis (which causes whooping cough) can also cause acute bronchitis.Other actors:* Exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, toxic chemicals, or allergens can also trigger acute bronchitis. For example, people who work in dusty environments on construction sites in Ho Chi Minh City are at a higher risk.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a more serious form, characterized by prolonged inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes. It is defined as a cough with phlegm most days for at least 3 months, for at least two consecutive years, not due to other lung conditions.

• Time:This is a chronic condition that can last a lifetime and is often part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Main cause:

Smoking:This is the leading and most important cause, accounting for up to 90% of chronic bronchitis cases. Tobacco smoke damages the bronchial lining, causing inflammation and excessive phlegm production. Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that the adult smoking rate in Vietnam remains high, especially among men, leading to a significant burden of respiratory illnesses.Exposure to stimulants:Prolonged exposure to chemical fumes, industrial dust (e.g., coal dust in mining areas of Quang Ninh), and air pollution (such as PM2.5 dust in major cities) are also significant risk factors.Recurrent respiratory infections:* Repeated episodes of acute bronchitis may contribute to the development of chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms of bronchitis

Whether acute or chronic, bronchitis shares common symptoms but also has differences.

Acute bronchitis symptoms

Symptoms often appear quickly and may include:

• Ho:This is the most prominent symptom. Initially, it may be a dry cough, then progress to a cough with transparent, white, yellow, or green phlegm.
• Mucus (phlegm) production:Phlegm can be clear, white, yellow, or green.
• Sore throat: Due to frequent coughing and infection.
• Tiredness:The body feels weak and powerless.
• Mild shortness of breath or wheezing:Especially during exertion.
• Mild fever and chills:Common in the early stages of the disease.
• Chest pain:Due to excessive coughing or respiratory inflammation.

Some people may confuse these symptoms with a common cold, but the cough in bronchitis usually lasts longer and is more severe.

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis

The symptoms of chronic bronchitis are prolonged and tend to worsen over time, especially in the morning and in cold, damp weather.

• Chronic productive cough:This is the most characteristic symptom, lasting at least 3 months each year, for 2 consecutive years. Sputum can be white, yellow, green, or gray.
• Dyspnea:Initially, shortness of breath may only occur with exertion, but over time it can happen even at rest.
• Wheezing:Wheezing when breathing.
• Chest tightness:Chest fullness or discomfort.
• Prolonged fatigue:Because the body has to work harder to breathe and lacks oxygen.
• Recurrent respiratory infections:More susceptible to common colds, flu, or pneumonia.

If you or a loved one experiences prolonged coughing with phlegm, especially if you are a smoker or live in a polluted environment, you should see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of bronchitis

To diagnose what bronchitis is and what type it is, doctors will rely on clinical symptoms, medical history, and some paraclinical tests.

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination:The doctor will listen to the lungs for crackles, wheezing, and assess respiratory status.
• Chest X-ray:Helps rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary tuberculosis, which is especially important in Vietnam where the incidence of tuberculosis is still high.
• Sputum test:Can be done to identify the causative agent (virus, bacteria) and antibiotic susceptibility (if bacterial).
• Respiratory function tests (spirometry):Particularly useful in diagnosing chronic bronchitis and assessing the degree of airway obstruction. Doctors at major hospitals such as Bach Mai Hospital (Hanoi) or Cho Ray Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) often use this method.

Treatment of acute bronchitis

Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are ineffective. Treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief:

• Adequate rest:Helps the body recover.
• Drink plenty of water:Helps thin phlegm and make it easier to expel.
• Cough suppressants:Over-the-counter cough medications can be used, but caution is needed, especially with children.
• Pain relievers, fever reducers:Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and body aches.
• Bronchodilators:In some cases, your doctor may prescribe inhaled bronchodilators if you are wheezing.
• Avoid stimulants:Avoid tobacco smoke and dust to prevent worsening your inflammation.

Treatment for chronic bronchitis

Treating chronic bronchitis is more complex and often aims at controlling symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life.

• Quit smoking:This is the most important and mandatory step. Quitting smoking can slow the progression of the disease and improve lung function. Smoking cessation counseling programs in Vietnam, for example at preventive health centers, can support patients.
• Bronchodilators:Inhalers help open airways, reducing shortness of breath. They can be short-acting or long-acting.
• Inhaled corticosteroids:Helps reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Expectorant:Helps thin phlegm, making it easier to expel.
• Oxygen Therapy:If the patient is severely hypoxic.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation:Breathing exercises and physical activity help improve endurance and quality of life.
• Antibiotics:Only use when there is evidence of acute bacterial infection (superinfected bronchitis).

Preventing bronchitis

Prevention is the most effective measure to reduce the risk of bronchitis, especially chronic bronchitis.

• No smoking:Avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke is the best way to protect your lungs.
• Avoid respiratory irritants:Limit exposure to dirt, chemicals, and air pollution. When going out in big cities like Hanoi, people should wear medical masks to reduce the inhalation of fine dust.
• Frequent handwashing:Helps prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses.
• Vaccination:Annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory infections. The Ministry of Health recommends these vaccines, especially for the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.
• Keep the body warm:Especially during the cold season, avoid catching a cold or flu.
• Healthy diet and exercise:Helps strengthen the immune system.

Bronchitis is a common respiratory disease that can cause discomfort and affect quality of life. Understanding what bronchitis is, its causes, symptoms, and how to treat and prevent it will help us proactively protect our own and our family's health. If you have any suspicious symptoms, consult a doctor for timely advice and treatment.

For informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor.