Asthmatic bronchitis, sometimes referred to as chronic bronchitis, is an obstruction of the body's respiratory organs. The bronchial tube, mucus membrane and other tissues and respiratory organs used to breathe become blocked by immune responses spurred by irritants such as pollen, dust, chemicals and other environmental elements. Because the bronchial tube produces excess mucus to protect the respiratory organs, sufferers experience laborious breathing. Some signs of asthmatic bronchitis include pains in the chest when breathing, coughing that brings up mucus, wheezing and breathlessness.
Allergens
Allergens are any substances that cause an allergic reaction in an individual. Allergens can be found indoors or outdoors and are specific to the individual. Some common allergens include dust, pollen, pet hair, mold and pollens from trees, grasses or weeds. Other allergens may include foods, chemicals, and environmental agents. The allergens cause hyperactivity in the respiratory system. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, when certain allergens are inhaled the immune system overreacts and causes sinus congestion in the respiratory tract. Constant exposure to the allergens will continue to aggravate the situation. This can lead to acute bronchitis. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, acute bronchitis can eventually become asthmatic bronchitis. Sufferers should avoid the substances that are causing these allergic reactions.
Air Pollution
Air pollutants are chemicals, biological material, and particulates in the environment that are harmful to humans. Some common air pollutants include nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as PAHs. These pollutants can cause acute bronchitis. PAHs are inhaled when fuel from burning wood or coal is released into the atmosphere. According to AirNow.gov, PAHs and VOCs or volatile organic compounds, can be released from common routines such as grilling food and through vehicle emissions. Continued inhalation of these pollutants can cause lower respiratory problems such as bronchitis. As the body fights against these pollutants, constriction of the airways occurs. This can cause people, especially those with asthma, to have serious breathing problems. Pollutants from factories and industrial plants also contribute to the number of asthmatic bronchitis sufferers.
Smoking
Asthmatic bronchitis can result from firsthand or secondhand smoke. According to the National Lung Health Educational Program, individuals who smoke and have asthma are particularly at risk of developing asthmatic bronchitis. When individuals smoke they are inhaling toxins into the body. The body is constantly fighting against these toxins from entering the body. The respiratory system is the body's first line of defense against the smoke. The bronchial tube, mucous membrane, and soft tissues become covered with cilia, a single-cell organism that protects the body from germs in the lungs. Eliminating smoking and avoiding second hand smoke is one way to prevent asthmatic bronchitis.
