Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tree, either acute (viral, with cough/sputum/fever <3 weeks) or chronic (productive cough >3 months x2 years, smoking-related). Treatment: acute - rest, hydration, humidification, analgesics, bronchodilators for wheeze, antibiotics only if bacterial. Chronic - smoking cessation (most important); inhaled bronchodilators (SABA/LAMA/LABA); pulmonary rehab; treat exacerbations (antibiotics/steroids/oxygen); vaccines (flu/pneumococcal); oxygen for hypoxemia; treat comorbidities.

Common Symptoms

Cough/sputum; wheeze/chest discomfort; by acute/chronic; smoking history

Causes and Pathogenesis

Viral (acute)/smoking-pollution (chronic) causes bronchial mucosal inflammation and mucus hypersecretion.

Treatment

Acute supportive; chronic smoking cessation/bronchodilators/rehab/vaccines

Preventive Measures

Smoking cessation; flu/pneumococcal vaccine; avoid irritants.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/General-practice department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.