Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Symptoms include cough, sputum with colored discharge and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. 

Acute bronchitis is very common and is often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking or chronic respiratory infections. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Factors that increase your risk of bronchitis include:

  • Cigarette smoke 
  • Low immunity or resistance
  • Exposure to irritants on the job
  • Gastric reflux

Dr. Rajesh Bharadwaj, ENT surgeon with 37 years of experience speaks to us about bronchitis and the treatment options by addressing queries on : 

  1. How to prevent yourself from getting bronchitis ? 
  2. What is a cough etiquette?
  3. What is the treatment for acute bronchitis? 
  4. When should you visit a doctor? 
  5. What are various tests conducted to treat bronchitis?  

Quitting or avoiding cigarette smoke can help prevent bronchitis. Although the pandemic covid-19 has enforced mask usage amongst the population across the globe, continued usage of masks would aid to tackle the risk factors. 

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