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Bronchitis is usually classified into two main types:

1. Acute Bronchitis – Often referred to as a “chest cold,” acute bronchitis is temporary and usually caused by viruses or bacteria. It typically lasts for a few weeks.
2. Chronic Bronchitis – A more serious, long-term condition usually caused by prolonged exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke or air pollution. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms of bronchitis can vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic, but common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough, often with mucus (sputum) that may be clear, yellow, or greenish
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Mild fever and chills (usually with acute bronchitis)

If you or a family member experiences symptoms that last more than a few days, or if symptoms are severe, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often resulting from respiratory infections or exposure to irritants like smoke and pollutants. There are steps you can take to help prevent both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) bronchitis.

• Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke: Smoking is a major cause of chronic bronchitis and can worsen symptoms of acute bronchitis. Avoiding tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke is one of the most effective ways to protect your lungs.

• Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing helps reduce the spread of viruses that cause respiratory infections, which are a common cause of acute bronchitis.

• Stay Vaccinated: Vaccines, like the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine, reduce the risk of infections that can lead to bronchitis. Protecting yourself against these infections also lowers the chances of complications.

• Minimize Exposure to Lung Irritants: Avoid environments with high pollution levels, dust, chemical fumes, and other irritants. If exposure is unavoidable, wearing a mask can help filter out harmful particles.

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A strong immune system helps fend off respiratory infections. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep all contribute to better respiratory health.

By following these preventive steps, you can reduce your risk of bronchitis and keep your respiratory system healthy.

You should seek medical treatment if you experience any of the following:

• A cough lasting more than three weeks
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• High fever that doesn’t improve with time
• Coughing up blood or thick, green/yellow mucus
• Symptoms of bronchitis recurring multiple times a year
• Symptoms that don’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medication
• Wheezing or chest pain

If you have chronic health conditions, a weakened immune system, or are elderly, it’s important to consult a doctor sooner, as bronchitis can develop into more serious issues like pneumonia.