If the airways of the lungs, called bronchi, get infected, inflamed ang irritated, you might have bronchitis. This condition is often common, often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection. People who have this condition often cough up thick mucus, experience wheezing and have difficulty breathing. Contact the best pulmonologist in Brooklyn by visiting Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center.

There are two types of bronchitis:

• Acute bronchitis – also called chest cold, usually improves within a week to two 2 weeks but doesn’tusually cause problems but may leave cough to linger for a few more weeks
• Chronic bronchitis – this condition is defined as cough that persists and keeps coming back. This is a more serious condition than acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis can last at least three months, occurring for at least two consecutive years.

SYMPTOMS

The common symptoms for both types of bronchitis can include:

• Chest congestion
• A cough with mucus, that is usually clear, white, yellow, or green
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue

With acute bronchitis, you may also have symptoms for colds, such as mild headache or body pain. Make sure that you see your doctor if you have cough that:

• Keeps you awake at night
• Produces mucus that is discolored
• Is more than three weeks
• Produces blood
• Is accompanied by high fever

CAUSES

Acute bronchitis is typically caused by the same virus that causes colds and flu. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection and exposure to substances that can irritate the lungs, such as dust and air pollution.

Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by smoking. It can also be caused by repeated irritation and damage to the lung and airway tissues. Other causes can include:

• Genetic factors
• History of other respiratory disease
• Repeated onset of acute bronchitis
• Exposure to substances that irritates the lungs, such as air pollution, dust, and fumes

TREATMENT

Most of the time, acute bronchitis gets better on its own within a couple of weeks. Your medical provider may also advise a patient with bronchitis to take a good rest, drink lots of fluid, take over the counter medications, use a humidifier or steam. While chronic bronchitis cannot be cured, its signs and symptoms can be managed. Their treatment will be different. Treatment can include oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, medication, or a combination of these.

If you need help with bronchitis or another infectious disease, visit our infectious disease specialists in our Brooklyn clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment. At Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center, we offer the best possible expertise and care in all aspects of pulmonology. Visit our pulmonologists to have your signs and symptoms checked. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://pulmonologistbrooklyn.com.