Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Prevention
Bronchitisis a condition where the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs, known as bronchi, become inflamed. The most prominent symptom of bronchitis is a cough.
There are two different types of bronchitis:
Although bronchitis is a common condition, there are steps that you can take to prevent both types.
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Bronchitis Symptoms
The symptoms of bronchitis are similar whether you have acute or chronic bronchitis. The most prominent symptom is a persistent cough.
Oftentimes, you’ll notice mucus when you cough. This mucus builds up in your bronchial tubes when they are irritated, and your coughing is an attempt to clear the mucus.
Other symptoms of bronchitis include:
If you have chronic bronchitis, these symptoms might start mild and become worse with time.
Is Bronchitis Genetic?There is also a genetic component to chronic bronchitis. The genetic condition known as analpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiencyis linked with increased risk for chronic bronchitis and other lung conditions.
Is Bronchitis Genetic?
There is also a genetic component to chronic bronchitis. The genetic condition known as analpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiencyis linked with increased risk for chronic bronchitis and other lung conditions.
Smokers are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis if someone else in their family has a lung condition.
Causes and Risk Factors of Bronchitis
How to Prevent Bronchitis
Preventing Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis usually begins with a respiratory infection, so you should take steps toreduce your risk of catching a virus. To prevent acute bronchitis:
Preventing Chronic Bronchitis
The best thing you can do to prevent chronic bronchitis is to not smoke, or toquit smoking. Since 75% of cases of chronic bronchitis are associated with smoking, this will dramatically reduce your risk.
In addition, you can do the following to prevent chronic bronchitis:
A Word From Verywell
Bronchitis is a very common condition. The best way to prevent acute bronchitis is to reduce your risk of getting the flu, the common cold, or other respiratory infections. Having a good hygiene routine, including frequently washing your hands, can help stop the spread of viral infections.
In order to prevent chronic bronchitis, you should stop smoking and reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke or environmental toxins. Quitting can seem impossible, especially if you’ve been a smoker for a long time, but there are tons of resources available to help you quit for good and create a healthier future for yourself and your family.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Acute bronchitis.MedlinePlus.Chronic bronchitis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing and treating bronchitis.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Acute bronchitis.MedlinePlus.Chronic bronchitis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing and treating bronchitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Acute bronchitis.MedlinePlus.Chronic bronchitis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing and treating bronchitis.
MedlinePlus.Acute bronchitis.
MedlinePlus.Chronic bronchitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing and treating bronchitis.
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