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What is a Bronchial Infection?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

A bronchial infection is an acute respiratory problem caused by a virus. Infections lead to inflammation and constriction of the airways, which makes it difficult to breathe deeply without wheezing and coughing. A bronchial infection usually clears up in one to two weeks, though a severe infection accompanied by a bad cough can lead to chronic problems. Most people can overcome acute infections by getting rest, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking, and taking over-the-counter cough medication. In the case of a severe or chronic problem, a doctor might prescribe antiviral drugs to provide relief from symptoms.

Respiratory infections can be caused by several types of viruses, though the most common culprits are influenza and rhinovirus. An individual who has a chronic immune system disorder or has suffered lung damage from smoking or asthma is at in increased risk of contracting a bronchial infection. In addition, young children and elderly people are more likely to experience lasting problems due to weakened immune system functioning.

The human respiratory system, showing the bronchial tubes in red.
The human respiratory system, showing the bronchial tubes in red.

A virus usually enters the body through the mouth and nose and quickly travels to the airways. As the immune system tries to combat the foreign pathogens, it triggers an inflammatory response in the lungs and throat. Tissue becomes irritated, swollen, and filled with excess mucus. Common symptoms of a bronchial infection include wheezing, coughing up mucus, fatigue, and fever. A person may also experience chest pain or tightness due to a constant cough.

A medical professional examines a chest X-ray for indications of a bronchial infection.
A medical professional examines a chest X-ray for indications of a bronchial infection.

People who experience mild infections do not typically need to seek treatment from medical professionals. An individual can usually recover by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and simply waiting for the virus to run its course. Over-the-counter cough syrups, throat sprays, and aspirin can help to relieve symptoms and make it easier to sleep with a bronchial infection. A primary care doctor should be contacted if a cough persists for several weeks or causes a high degree of discomfort.

A bad cough may be a sign of a bronchial infection.
A bad cough may be a sign of a bronchial infection.

A physician can check for an acute bronchial infection by monitoring a patient's breathing, taking a chest x-ray, and collecting blood and mucus samples for careful analysis. The doctor can rule out other potential causes of respiratory problems and make a proper diagnosis. Patients are usually given prescription antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs, and instructed to come back in for regular checkups to make sure that conditions do not turn chronic. Most people experience full recoveries within a few weeks of treatment.

Discussion Comments

Wisedly33

Bronchial infections can be viral or bacterial in nature. Just depends. Sometimes, a low-grade sinus infection can progress to bronchitis. Even viral bronchial infections are often treated with precautionary antibiotics, simply because the mucus in the bronchial tubes is such a welcoming host for bacteria that will need antibiotics to treat. So it's better to get them out of the way to start with.

Bronchitis is no fun, no matter what causes it. It's uncomfortable at best and downright miserable at worst. You may wheeze for weeks, and have a nagging cough for months after a really robust bout with it.

Even when you're over the infection, do have the doctor listen to your chest every couple of months, just to make sure the bronchitis doesn't mount a comeback.

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    • The human respiratory system, showing the bronchial tubes in red.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      The human respiratory system, showing the bronchial tubes in red.
    • A medical professional examines a chest X-ray for indications of a bronchial infection.
      By: nyul
      A medical professional examines a chest X-ray for indications of a bronchial infection.
    • A bad cough may be a sign of a bronchial infection.
      By: ramonespelt
      A bad cough may be a sign of a bronchial infection.
    • Chest pain or tightness can be caused by a bronchial infection.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Chest pain or tightness can be caused by a bronchial infection.
    • Antibiotics may be necessary to treat a patient who develops bronchitis.
      By: emde71
      Antibiotics may be necessary to treat a patient who develops bronchitis.
    • Breathing treatments can help people deal with a severe bronchial infection.
      By: bnmk0819
      Breathing treatments can help people deal with a severe bronchial infection.