| Acute bronchitis is characterized by cough and | | | | another acute illness, such as a cold. |
| sputum (phlegm) production and symptoms related | | | | Older adults, infants and young children also have |
| to the obstruction of the airways by the inflamed | | | | greater vulnerability to infection. Stomach acids that |
| airways and the phlegm, such as shortness of breath | | | | persistently back up into your esophagus may cause |
| and wheezing. | | | | a chronic cough. To treat acute bronchitis that |
| Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. Bronchitis | | | | appears to be caused by a bacterial infection, or as a |
| usually caused by infection but sometimes caused by | | | | precaution, antibiotics may be given. Take aspirin or |
| irritation from a gas or particle. It occurs when your | | | | acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have a fever. One of |
| trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi | | | | the best ways to keep from getting bronchitis is to |
| (airways) in your lungs become inflamed. There are | | | | wash your hands often to get rid of any viruses. |
| two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. | | | | Avoid exposure to paint or exhaust fumes, dust, and |
| Acute bronchitis, usually caused by viruses or bacteria | | | | people with colds. Get help to quit smoking.Use a |
| and may last several days or weeks. | | | | humidifier or steam in the bathroom. |
| Pneumonia can have symptoms like acute bronchitis. | | | | Bronchitis and Prevention Tips |
| Symptoms of pneumonia can include a high fever, | | | | 1. Do not smoke. |
| shaking chills, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis | | | | 2. Minimize exposure to air pollutants. |
| caused by Adenoviridae may cause systemic and | | | | 3. Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom. |
| gastroentestinal symptoms. Chronic bronchitis is a | | | | 4. Drinking fluids is very useful for fever. |
| long-term condition. Chronic bronchitis "is characterized | | | | 5. Take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you |
| by hypersecretion of mucus accompanied by a | | | | have a fever. |
| chronic productive cough. People have a cough that | | | | 6. Meta-analysis antibiotics may reduce symptoms by |
| produces excessive mucus. Chronic bronchitis keeps | | | | one-half day |
| coming back and can last a long time, especially in | | | | 7. Wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading |
| people who smoke. Low resistance may result from | | | | viruses and other infections. |