The Two Types of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition that occurs when the bronchi, or the two tubes that connect the trachea to the lungs and are responsible for transferring air, get inflamed. In response to the inflammation, a lot of mucus is produced. Bronchitis is of two types and it is necessary to understand the difference between the two. Visit or consult with the best doctor for bronchitis in Kolkata and get treated for the condition.

Typically, there are two types of bronchitis, acute bronchitis, and chronic bronchitis. Let’s learn the difference between the two.

Acute Bronchitis

This type of bronchitis is caused by a virus and sometimes, though, rarely, by bacteria. Infants, children, and the elderly are at risk of catching this virus easily. Acute bronchitis is a type of lung disease. People who are exposed to the virus catch the disease easily.

Acute bronchitis produces a “chest cold”. This is because a lot of mucus is produced which is coughed up in a wet cough.

Since acute bronchitis is very contagious, people should be careful not to spread the condition around. Wear masks, wash your hands frequently, and stay secluded until the condition passes. People are highly contagious when the disease is on-going.

Since acute bronchitis mimics the flu, it is sometimes, erroneously, called such. It is best to consult with a doctor to know the difference between the two and get the treatment accordingly.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis occurs when the symptoms last for more than 3 months in one year and have occurred twice in a year. If bronchitis is present and symptoms last for more than 3 consecutive weeks, then one will require a medical diagnosis.

The symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a long-term cough with mucus production and ongoing shortness of breath. Moreover, a history of COPD and smoking are also viewed as causes.

Chronic bronchitis is more serious than acute bronchitis. It never really goes away and needs to be managed throughout a person’s lifetime. Furthermore, if you have chronic bronchitis, there are chances of you developing COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Tests to Rule out Other Conditions

While a clinical test is all that will be performed for you to get tested for bronchitis, the doctor may recommend other tests as well to rule out other conditions. These tests are as follows:

• Blood tests

Blood tests may be carried out to rule out any other condition whose symptom is bronchitis.

• Chest X-ray

If the cough persists for a long period of time, you need to get a chest X-ray done so that doctors can rule out other conditions.

• Nasal Swab

Doctors may prescribe a battery of tests to rule out COVID-19 or the flu.

• Pulmonary function tests

In the case of chronic bronchitis, the functionality of your lungs will have to be checked.

• Sputum tests

Samples of the sputum will be taken so that it can be tested for different bacteria and viruses.

Visit the best doctor for bronchitis in Kolkata and get treated for the condition today!