Bronchitis develops when “bronchi” the tubes that transmit air into the lungs are get infected.
Bronchitis often develops after a cold or the flu due to the irritation of the bronchi caused by viruses. “Whooping cough,” not very common bacterial infection, may cause bronchitis too.
"Acute" bronchitis is different from "chronic" bronchitis, that is very common in smokers who suffer from a long-lasting cough.
People with acute bronchitis have:
Cough that may lasts up to few weeks, phlegm that may have different colors, headaches, cold like symptoms, and shortness of breath.
To improve rapidly and feel better it is necessary to rest, drink plenty of fluids and hot tea, use over the counter cold and cough medicines, taking pain medications for a cold or flu symptoms, breathing in warm air in the shower, or using steam nasal inhaler or breathing over a kettle.
Smoking causes bronchial irritation and cough, so it is important to avoid it.
Hand washing and using good hygiene prevents viruses and bacteria entering air ways and many respiratory infections including bronchitis.
