We all had our fair share of common colds. It is by far the most common infections that affect humans, and are normally mild that they go on their own with minimal or no treatment. On the other hand, more severe infections of the respiratory system can be serious and need medical care including acute bronchitis. In this article, we will discuss different aspects of acute bronchitis including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is a medical condition that affects the airways. Our airways is formed of larger and smaller ones, and the bronchi are relatively larger. It is a type of bronchitis that typically lasts for several days to a few weeks, and is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes, as well as the production of excess mucus.
Several causes exist for acute bronchitis, of which viral infection is the most common,such as the common cold or flu. In this case, symptoms begin as any normal cold then progresses to a severe presentation afterwards. In some cases, acute bronchitis, or allergies. Individuals who smoke or have weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to developing acute bronchitis. It can also occur in children owing to their naturally weaker immunity and susceptibility to common cold. Children are the most common group affected by allergic conditions.