Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs.

Bronchitis can be divided into two categories:

• Acute.
• Chronic.

Acute bronchitis:

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by viruses that infect the epithelium of the bronchi, resulting in inflammation and increased secretion of mucus.

Acute bronchitis is characterized by the development of a cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus that is expectorated (coughed up) from the respiratory tract.
Acute bronchitis often develops during the course of an upper respiratory infection (URI) such as the common cold or influenza.

Causes:
About 90% of cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, including:

1.Rhinoviruses.
2.Adenoviruses.
3.Influenza.

About 10% of cases caused by bacteria, including:

1.Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
2.Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
3.Bordetella pertussis.

Symptoms:

• Cough with production of sputum.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose.
• Nasal congestion (coryza).
• Low-grade fever.
• Pleurisy.
• Malaise.

Most cases of bronchitis are caused by a viral infection and are “self-limiting” and resolve themselves in a few weeks.As most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, antibiotics should not be used, since they are effective only against bacteria.

Diagnosis:

A physical examination will often reveal decreased intensity of breath sounds, wheezing, rhonchi, and prolonged expiration. Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.

A variety of tests may be performed in patients presenting with cough and shortness of breath:

A chest X-ray that reveals hyperinflation; collapse and consolidation of lung areas would support a diagnosis of pneumonia. Some conditions that predispose to bronchitis may be indicated by chest radiography.

A sputum sample showing neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells) and culture showing that has pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus species.

A blood test would indicate inflammation (as indicated by a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein).

Chronic bronchitis:

Chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is defined by a productive cough that lasts for 3 months or more per year for at least 2 years. Other symptoms may include wheezing and shortness of breath, especially upon exertion. The cough is often worse soon after awakening, and the sputum produced may have a yellow or green color and may be streaked with blood.About 5% of the population has chronic bronchitis, and it is two times more common in females than in males.

Causes:

Chronic bronchitis is caused by recurring injury or irritation to the respiratory epithelium of the bronchi, resulting in chronic inflammation, edema (swelling), and increased production of mucus by goblet cells. Airflow into and out of the lungs is partly blocked because of the swelling and extra mucus in the bronchi or due to reversible bronchospasm.

• Smoking cigarettes.
• Tobacco.
• Chronic inhalation of irritating fumes or dust from occupational exposure or air pollution.

Symptoms:

• Wheezing.
• Shortness of breath,especially upon exertion.
• Cough is often worse soon after awakening.
• Sputum produced may have a yellow or green color and may be streaked with blood.

The most effective method of preventing chronic bronchitis and other forms of COPD is to avoid smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco.

Diagnosis:

A physical examination will often reveal diminished breath sounds, wheezing and prolonged expiration. Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.

A variety of tests may be performed in patients presenting with cough and shortness of breath:

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) (or spirometry) must be performed in all patients presenting with chronic cough. An FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7 that is not fully reversible after bronchodilator therapy indicates the presence of COPD, that requires more aggressive therapy and carries a more severe prognosis than simple chronic bronchitis.

A chest X-ray that reveals hyperinflation; collapse and consolidation of lung areas would support a diagnosis of pneumonia. Some conditions that predispose to bronchitis may be indicated by chest radiography.

A sputum sample showing neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells) and culture showing that has pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus spp.

A blood test would indicate inflammation (as indicated by a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein).

High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) — This is a special type of CT scan that provides your doctor with high-resolution images of your lungs.

Suggestion about homeopathic treatment:

Homeopathic treatment is very strongly suggested during for all forms and stages of Bronchitis.
Homeopathy has proven treatment which helps towards:

1. Relieving nasty cough

2. Controlling and treating the underlying tendency to catch cold and cough

3. Improving immunity and general vitality

4. Reducing the severity, frequency and duration in case of Recurrent bronchitis

5. Helping allergic as well as infective cases of bronchitis.

Homoeopathy is very strongly recommended for all stages and variants of bronchitis.