Bronchitis is an infection that results in excess mucus and inflammation of the airways to the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute, following a cold or infection, or chronic, caused by damage to the bronchial tubes. To diagnose bronchitis, a doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to the lungs, performs a chest X-ray and lung function tests, measures the level of oxygen in the blood and takes sputum samples, explains MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Finding the cause of bronchitis is essential to treatment.
Respiratory Infection
Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral respiratory infection, the same viruses that cause the common cold. Initial symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, sinus pressure and excess mucus production. As the infection progresses, it spreads to the airways and leads to coughing and chest congestion. The infection generally goes away without treatment, though MayoClinic.com does warn that an irritating cough can last for several weeks following the infection.
Smoking & Exposure
Cigarette smoking lowers the body’s immunity and increases the risks of illnesses like bronchitis. MedlinePlus notes that cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Continual exposure to certain substances, such as dust and chemical fumes, can also cause chronic bronchitis as long-term inflammation scars the bronchial tubes. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis requires medical attention and will either flare up often or never completely go away.
Allergies
Allergies are common, resulting from environmental and hereditary factors. They occur when the body overreacts to certain substances and triggers a chemical response to fight off the offending substance. Common allergens are mold, pet dander, pollen and dust, which can cause coughing, wheezing, mucus production and an itchy nose and throat in allergic individuals. As a result of constant inflammation of the airways, allergies can cause damage to the bronchial tubes, which leads to chronic bronchitis. Anti-inflammatory medications can help treat allergies.
