Bronchitis is inflammation of the tubes through which air passes and connects the trachea and lungs called bronchi. Its inflammation makes it difficult for air to pass through the respiratory tract, accumulating phlegm and narrowing the duct, symptoms that are pretty annoying and that, on some occasions, can be dangerous.
Factors such as tobacco, agents in the air, the cold, and different viruses and bacteria can cause infection and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing bronchitis to develop. If that is your case, you likely have some doubts about this pathology, such as how long bronchitis lasts or if it is contagious. In the following FastlyHealarticle we will explain it to you.
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There are two types of bronchitis.
There are two different types of bronchitis, which have other causes, various symptoms, and distant healing periods:
Acute bronchitis
Most cases of acute bronchitis are due to an infection caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, although the cause can also be bacteria. In many of these cases, bronchitis may not be diagnosed since it appears within the typical process of a cold or flu. A sore throat and mucus or sinusitis first appear, but it can travel through the respiratory tract and affect the bronchial tubes. Acute bronchitis causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, repeated coughing, breathing difficulties, and recognizable wheezing when breathing in and out. This type of bronchitis lasts as long as the infection lasts; when the body eliminates the viral process, acute bronchitis disappears and returns to normal.
Chronic bronchitis
Unlike acute bronchitis, permanent bronchitis is not caused by a viral or bacterial infection but is caused by other factors and lasts much longer. Most cases of chronic bronchitis are caused by tobacco, which damages the inner wall of the bronchial tubes causing irritation, inflammation, mucus, and coughing. Pollution or exposure to irritants can also trigger an episode of chronic bronchitis.
Symptoms of bronchitis
The symptoms may vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic bronchitis. However, there are some common between the two conditions present in the vast majority of cases
- Breathing difficulties.
- A hissing sound when inhaling and exhaling air.
- Repetitive cough, either with or without mucus.
- Chest tightness.
Typically, in acute bronchitis, not as much mucus is generated as in chronic bronchitis. Mucus is the body’s mechanism to protect the airways from irritation. Still, because acute bronchitis lasts less time than chronic bronchitis, the body does not have time to generate as much phlegm.
How long does bronchitis last
If you wonder how long bronchitis lasts, you should know that it is not the same if it is acute or chronic bronchitis:
How long does acute bronchitis last?
- Bronchitis caused by infection, which is derived from other diseases such as colds or the flu, usually lasts between 1 and 2 weeks.
- A severe infection can last up to 6 weeks if it is a severe infection.
- If it lasts more than six weeks, it is a sign that the infection has spread to the lungs.
How long does chronic bronchitis last?
- If not treated effectively, chronic bronchitis can last for months, years, or even decades. Below we explain how this treatment should be.
Treatment of bronchitis
Now that you know how long bronchitis lasts, you should know that proper treatment can shorten the recovery times for your condition. On the contrary, it can be lengthened and complicated if you do not follow it.
Acute bronchitis treatment
Since, in most cases, the origin of this bronchitis is viral, the use of antibiotics does not affect bronchitis. The remedies that can be used are:
- Expectorants: to be able to expel mucus.
- Decongestants: to be able to free the nostrils.
- Cough suppressants.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen to reduce cough, sore throat, and fever.
- Another good option is to treat bronchitis with natural remedies.
Chronic bronchitis treatment
The treatment of chronic bronchitis, depending on which cases, can be done by:
- Corticosteroid inhalers: to deflate the epithelium.
- Bronchodilators: to facilitate breathing.
- External oxygen supplements.
Now, none of this will help if the causes of bronchitis, smoking in most cases, are not eradicated. From FastlyHealwe want to help you quit this addiction by warning you of the devastating effects of tobacco on your health. Do you know these tobacco substitutes to quit smoking?
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How long does bronchitis last, we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.