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Bronchitis

A condition that occurs when the inner walls that line the main air passageways of your lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed. Bronchitis often follows a respiratory infection such as a cold. And just as most people get occasional colds, virtually everyone has bronchitis at least once.

Most cases of acute bronchitis disappear within a few days without lasting effects, although coughs may linger three weeks or more. But if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, see your doctor. You may have a more serious health problem, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema — a disease that causes progressive lung damage. You're much more likely to develop these conditions if you smoke.

Signs and Symptoms

Causes

The same viruses that cause colds often cause acute bronchitis. But you can also develop noninfectious bronchitis from exposure to your own or someone else's cigarette smoke and even from pollutants such as household cleaners and smog.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most cases of bronchitis clear on their own in a few days, especially if you rest, drink plenty of fluids, and keep the air in your home warm and moist. But if you have a fever higher than 101 F, you're breathless, or you cough up bloody or yellow or green mucus, see your doctor. You may have pneumonia. And if you have a cough that lasts six weeks or more, be sure to seek medical care. The inflammation from a chronic infection can lead to asthma in some people.

Also see your doctor if you have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma, emphysema or congestive heart failure, and think you may have developed a case of bronchitis. These conditions put you at greater risk of developing complications from bronchial infections.

If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, tell your doctor. You may have chronic bronchitis, or you may live or work in an environment that continually irritates your airways. In some cases, you may have GERD or chronic sinusitis. If so, your doctor may be able to pinpoint the cause of your problem and suggest further testing and lifestyle changes that can help.

Prevention

This information provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject, call the Student Health and Counseling Center or talk to your family doctor.