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Magill’s Medical Guide, 8th Edition

Bronchitis

by Jane A. Slezak, Ph.D.

Disease/Disorder

Anatomy or system affected: Chest, lungs, respiratory system

Specialties and related fields: Family medicine, internal medicine, pulmonary medicine

Definition: An inflammation of the bronchial tree of the lungs.

Causes and Symptoms

The inflammation associated with bronchitis may be localized or diffuse, acute or chronic, and it is usually caused by infections or physical agents. In its infectious form, acute bronchitis is part of a general, acute upper respiratory infection, sometimes brought on by the common cold. It can also develop from a viral infection of the nasopharynx, throat, or tracheobronchial tree. Acute bronchitis is most prevalent in winter. Factors contributing to the onset of the disease include exposure, chilling, malnutrition, fatigue, or rickets. The inflammation may be serious in debilitated patients and those with chronic pulmonary disease, and the real danger rests in the development of pneumonia. Certain physical and chemical irritants can bring on acute bronchitis. Such agents as mineral and vegetable dusts, strong acid fumes, volatile organic compounds, and tobacco smoke can trigger an attack.

Information on Bronchitis

Causes: Upper respiratory infection, chronic pulmonary disease, physical and chemical irritants Symptoms: Swollen mucous membranes, bronchial spasms, shortness of breath

Duration: Acute

Treatments: Antibiotics, bed rest, exposure to warm, moist air

Normal bronchioles.

MMG2018_p0384_1.jpg

The disease causes thickening of the bronchi and a loss of elasticity in the bronchial tree. Changes in the mucous membranes occur, leukocytes infiltrate the submucosa, and a sticky, mucopurulent exudate is formed. The normally sterile bronchi are invaded by bacteria and cellular debris. A barking cough is often present, and this serves as an essential mechanism for eliminating bronchial secretions.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by swollen mucous membranes, tenacious exudate, and spasms in the bronchiolar muscles. The result is dyspnea, the ventilatory insufficiency known as shortness of breath.

Treatment and Therapy

Acute bronchitis is treated with bed rest and medication to counteract the symptoms of inflammation. The room air should be kept warm and humid. Steam inhalation and cough syrup sometimes give relief from the severe, painful cough.

All surveys have demonstrated a high incidence of bronchitis in cigarette smokers when compared with nonsmokers, thus providing a good reason for the cessation of smoking.

See also:

Asbestos exposure; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Coughing; Inflammation; Lungs; Oxygen therapy; Pneumonia; Pulmonary diseases; Pulmonary medicine; Pulmonary medicine, pediatric; Respiration; Wheezing.

For Further Information:

1 

American Lung Association. American Lung Association, 2013.

2 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Bronchitis (Chest Cold). CDC, May 1, 2012.

3 

Goldman, Lee, and Dennis Ausiello, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23d ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.

4 

Niederman, Michael S., George A. Sarosi, and Jeffrey Glassroth. Respiratory Infections. 2d ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2001.

5 

Shuman, Jill. “Bronchitis (Acute Bronchitis; Lower Respiratory Tract Infection).” HealthLibrary, Mar. 29, 2013.

6 

Shayevitz, Myra, and Berton R. Shayevitz. Living Well with Chronic Asthma, Bronchitis, and Emphysema. Yonkers, N.Y.: Consumer Reports Books, 1991.

7 

Smolley, Laurence A., and Debra Fulghum Bruce. Breathe Right Now: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating the Most Common Breathing Disorders. New York: Norton, 1998.

8 

West, John B. Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2008.

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Slezak, Jane A. "Bronchitis." Magill’s Medical Guide, 8th Edition, edited by Bryan C. Auday, et al., Salem Press, 2018. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=MMG2018_0201.
APA 7th
Slezak, J. A. (2018). Bronchitis. In B. C. Auday, M. A. Buratovich, G. F. Marrocco & P. Moglia (Eds.), Magill’s Medical Guide, 8th Edition. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Slezak, Jane A. "Bronchitis." Edited by Bryan C. Auday, Michael A. Buratovich, Geraldine F. Marrocco & Paul Moglia. Magill’s Medical Guide, 8th Edition. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2018. Accessed December 14, 2025. online.salempress.com.