Acute bronchitis, which usually occurs after a cold and is extremely common, is caused by bacteria or viruses that settle in the lungs or upper respiratory tract. It causes inflammation in the bronchi, which are the respiratory airways, and consequently brings problems such as swelling and phlegm formation in the bronchi. Acute bronchitis, which is much more common in children, is among the diseases that start very suddenly. The disease can heal on its own between 3 to 10 days, but the accompanying cough continues for a very long time.

What Causes Acute Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis, which can occur due to many different reasons, is caused by viruses or bacteria. At the same time, smoking, which can cause severe damage to the lungs, dust, foggy air, and air pollution also cause discomfort in the bronchi. Due to such factors, a reaction in the form of swelling and phlegm occurs in the bronchi. This reaction is also accompanied by coughing. Sometimes acute bronchitis can occur immediately after flu or cold illness. Additionally, sudden temperature changes, very humid air, or very dry air are also among the causes of this disease.

Risk Factors for Acute Bronchitis
Some risk factors increase the likelihood of both children and adults contracting acute bronchitis. We can list these risk factors as follows:

• Exhaust fumes from vehicles
• Steam in cafeterias
• Air pollution
• Working with livestock
• Working in the grain, textile, or coal industry
• Being male
• Having previously had lung-related diseases
• Cigarette smoke
• Dusty and foggy air
• Not having received vaccines that strengthen the immune system as a child
• Close contact with people experiencing bronchitis or colds

What Are the Effects of Acute Bronchitis on the Body?
When this condition occurs, infection develops in the bronchi. Bacteria or viruses that enter the respiratory tract through the mouth or nose advance to the bronchi and settle there. They then cause infection, namely inflammation, in the bronchial cells. While the body fights this inflammation, swelling and phlegm reaction occurs in the bronchi. Phlegm and bronchial swelling cause strong and frequent coughing. Since the edema in the bronchi makes breathing difficult, patients may also experience difficulty breathing. Usually, the body wins the fight against inflammation and the disease passes on its own even without treatment. However, coughing and phlegm production continue for much longer, and medication may be needed for these problems to resolve more quickly.

Is Acute Bronchitis a Serious Disease?
Acute bronchitis can cause great concern due to the severity of its symptoms. However, it is not a very serious disease because it does not cause permanent damage to the lungs or bronchi. It is usually a self-limiting disease. It can only cause problems such as respiratory failure or pneumonia in people whose immune systems are weakened for various reasons. However, it does not cause any problems in healthy people with strong immune systems. Irritation may occur in the throat due to coughing. To prevent this, some medications may need to be used.

What Are the Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis?

• Cough
• Yellow or green phlegm production
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Fatigue
• Rib pain caused by coughing
• Wheezing during breathing

How is Acute Bronchitis Diagnosed?
For diagnosis, the patient must first be physically examined. Then, depending on the patient’s condition, some tests may be requested by the physician. Chest X-ray is among these tests. Especially in patients with fever, a chest X-ray is definitely requested. Additionally, blood tests and throat culture may also be necessary.

How is Acute Bronchitis Treated?
People who contract this condition usually recover on their own. A period of 10 days may be needed for recovery. Since it takes several weeks for the infection to be completely eliminated from the body, symptoms such as cough or phlegm continue for several more weeks. During this process, the patient needs to rest and consume plenty of fluids. Usually, antibiotic use is not necessary for treatment. However, medication may be needed to stop the cough or relieve the pain experienced. Humidifying the room in dry air will also help with treatment. Medication can also be used to eliminate the patient’s wheezing complaint, or opening the airways with steam may be preferred. Since viruses cause acute bronchitis, antibiotic use may be insufficient in eliminating these viruses. Therefore, antibiotics are not recommended by physicians unless absolutely necessary.

Is It Possible to Prevent Acute Bronchitis?
It may be possible to prevent acute bronchitis by taking various precautions. We can list the precautions that can be taken for prevention as follows:

• Do not smoke and stay away from places with cigarette smoke
• Stay away from factors that irritate the lungs and respiratory tract
• Cover mouth and nose when using chemical substances like paint and varnish
• Wash hands frequently
• Those over 60 should consult a doctor and get a pneumonia vaccine
• Ventilate the room frequently
• Consume foods rich in vitamin A

When Should You See a Doctor for Acute Bronchitis?

• When cough continues for 3 weeks
• If sleep quality is declining due to coughing experienced during sleep at night
• If fever, even mild, has not subsided for 5 days
• If there is high fever of 38°C or above
• If there is an excessively phlegmy cough
• If the phlegm is green in color
• If the phlegm is bloody
• If there is a wheezing sound when breathing

Even if only one of these symptoms is present, you need to see a doctor without delay. During this process, you should also take care to consume plenty of fluids and foods rich in vitamin A. Additionally, never use antibiotics randomly without a doctor’s recommendation for acute bronchitis. It should not be forgotten that antibiotics are drugs with quite strong side effects and should not be used without a doctor’s recommendation.

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