Acute Bronchitis - What Happens in Your Lungs?
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the lower lungs (the bronchi). Sometimes the pathogens of a cold or flu (these can be bacteria or viruses) enter the bronchi and cause inflammation. This is called acute bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis is often contagious. In its early stages, the symptoms of acute bronchitis can closely resemble those of a common cold. People with acute bronchitis may continue to cough after a cold or flu. The transition from a dry cough to a cough with mucus is also a symptom of acute bronchitis. Chest tightness, wheezing, fever, shortness of breath, pain when coughing, and fatigue also occur.
Acute bronchitis usually resolves on its own within two weeks. However, the nagging cough can persist for weeks even after the acute bronchitis has subsided. The primary treatment for acute bronchitis is to treat the symptoms. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water, especially if you have a fever. Painkillers can help with the pain.
The lungs usually recover completely after acute bronchitis. If the doctor suspects that bacteria are also causing the infection, they may prescribe a course of antibiotics. If it's just a virus, antibiotics won't help. In that case, waiting it out is the best advice. Give your body time to recover and take it easy for a while. Eat healthily and get plenty of sleep so your immune system can regain its strength.
More information about acute bronchitis, its symptoms and causes, and what you can do yourself can be found at www.longfonds.nl/acutebronchitis