Bronchitis: causes, symptoms and treatments

The summer holidays are over and winter has set in. The little warning signs of bronchitis are beginning to make themselves felt: coughing, chills, inconsistent fever, burning at the back of the throat, tiredness... Rest assured, most of the time, bronchitis is easily treated. But you'll need to be patient and take the right steps to ensure that you don't relapse or infect those around you - thanks to them.

What is Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to the lungs. It causes a sensation of irritation and a persistent cough. When the bronchioles produce excess mucus, the result is a hacking cough that helps expel mucus. The bronchioles at the ends of the bronchi can also be affected.

The peak season is autumn and winter. In 90% of cases, bronchitis is viral in origin and therefore does not require the use of antibiotics. The body naturally defends itself to eliminate the pathogen. Symptoms last for around ten days before the patient's health is restored. The viruses involved are parainfluenza, adenovirus and rhinovirus.

When the bronchioles are affected in babies under the age of 2, the condition is known as bronchiolitis. This illness can lead to severe respiratory difficulties requiring hospitalisation. So it's vital to watch out for the first signs to protect your baby's health.

A word from the medical team

"In the case of acute bronchitis in healthy adults, yellowish or greenish sputum is not synonymous with bacterial superinfection. Fever is generally moderate and lasts less than 4 days. The natural course of bronchitis is usually cured within 7 days. If the fever persists, or if more troublesome symptoms appear, such as respiratory discomfort, a follow-up consultation will be necessary to look for a complication or bacterial superinfection".

The different types of bronchitis

There are several types of bronchitis:

• Acute bronchitis: this is the classic form, with inflammation lasting 7 to 10 days.
• Chronic bronchitis: chronic bronchitis occurs when the inflammation lasts for more than 3 months of the year. It then causes a chronic cough. The main cause is long-term smoking.
• Asthmatic bronchitis: this form is associated with wheezing, as in an asthma episode. It is also known as asthmatic bronchitis. It may require the use of ventolin.
• Bacterial bronchitis: this involves bacterial superinfection, but accounts for less than 10% of cases. Fragile people, such as those suffering from asthma, are more at risk.

Note: bronchitis is distinct from covid, although it shares certain symptoms.

Is bronchitis contagious?

Being viral in origin, acute bronchitis is therefore contagious. The pathogens responsible are easily transmitted from one person to another by airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Direct contact with contaminated surfaces can also spread the virus.

To reduce the risk of contagion, it is important to wash your hands regularly, avoid sharing personal objects, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. You can also wear a surgical mask in the presence of frail people or in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces.

We advise you to limit close contact with others until your symptoms have disappeared.

The symptoms of bronchitis

Here are the signs of acute bronchitis:

• A dry cough followed by a hacking cough due to inflammation of the bronchial tubes: you suffer from a cough that becomes very deep and intensifies when you go to bed at night, as well as when you go outside in cold, dry weather, or when irritating substances are present in the air, such as cigarette smoke or pollution. Your voice may be affected until it recovers.
• Feverish episodes and a feeling of general malaise: you may experience a low, inconsistent fever and a reduced appetite.
• Moderate fatigue: your body is fighting the virus, so you may feel tired. This is completely normal and temporary, as your body is actively defending itself.
• Secretions: light-coloured, yellowish or greenish viscous sputum appears; green means that the body is defending itself properly.
• Burning around the breastbone: you may feel a burning sensation along the bronchial tubes.

The causes of bronchitis

Bronchitis can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Infections : Acute bronchitis is mainly viral and, less frequently, bacterial.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust and chemicals can cause chronic bronchitis.
• Underlying diseases: People with asthma or allergies are more likely to develop bronchitis.
• Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system, due to chronic illness, advanced age or certain therapies.

How long does bronchitis last?

The incubation period is around one to three days. Symptoms can last around ten days.

During the first phase, the upper airways are affected, causing a dry cough and, in some cases, burning in the chest when coughing. Then, in a second phase, a hacking cough appears.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

To diagnose bronchitis, when the patient consults the doctor, the latter carries out a clinical examination. Symptoms such as a persistent cough, mucus-producing sputum or difficulty breathing are assessed. The lungs are then checked with a stethoscope.

If necessary, he may also order a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. Sometimes sputum is analysed to identify the infectious agent.

These tests are not necessary in the case of simple acute bronchitis, where only the clinical examination is useful.

What treatments are available for bronchitis?

We strongly advise against self-medication to relieve your symptoms. The best thing to do is to consult a doctor as soon as possible, so that you can make an accurate diagnosis and receive the appropriate treatment.

Medicinal treatment

The most important thing to remember is this: since acute bronchitis is mainly viral, there's no point in taking antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or others.

The drugs prescribed by your doctor will simply relieve the symptoms, but will not speed up the healing process, which occurs physiologically in the case of a viral pathology. Healing occurs spontaneously on average within 10 days.

You can take paracetamol (unless contraindicated) to improve your general condition by lowering body temperature or to combat pain.

Cough suppressants are used and prescribed less and less because they have little effect on the intensity or duration of symptoms, and also because of a number of possible side-effects. Most of them are not reimbursed.

As for natural treatments, they cannot cure the disease and have no proven efficacy.

In the event of pregnancy

If you are pregnant, it is important to avoid self-medication and to apply the rules of prevention conscientiously. Consult your GP, who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate treatment.

Complications of bronchitis

Complications can include lung infections such as pneumonia, especially in the elderly, children and those with weakened immune systems.

Patients with chronic bronchitis are at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In addition, repeated episodes of bronchitis can lead to permanent damage to the bronchial tubes, reducing lung capacity.

In some cases, people suffer from bronchospasm, making it harder to breathe. Finally, poorly treated bronchitis can aggravate underlying conditions such as asthma.

Bronchitis in children

In children, this infection often manifests itself as a persistent cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Bronchiolitis, a severe form of bronchitis, mainly affects infants and young children. It is generally viral in origin, linked in particular to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In addition to the usual symptoms, children may experience fever and loss of appetite. It is essential to watch for signs such as rapid breathing or a hollow forming between the ribs, and to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Medical management often includes supportive care such as hydration, nasal clearing and, in some cases, oxygen therapy.

Bronchitis in the elderly

Due to a weakened immune system and the frequent presence of chronic illnesses, the elderly are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Doctors may prescribe bronchodilators, corticosteroids and, in the event of bacterial infection, antibiotic drugs. Regular medical monitoring is essential to prevent complications.

Advice on preventing the onset of acute bronchitis

Here are the essential steps you can take to protect yourself:

• To minimise the risk of contagion, we recommend that you wash your hands regularly, especially after blowing your nose, sneezing, coughing or before looking after a child.
• Also remember to throw away your handkerchief as soon as it is used or when you cough or sneeze into it...
• Don't stay in confined spaces and air your home several times a day.
• Limit contact in crowded places.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to go out with bronchitis?

Yes, you can go out. However, we recommend that you avoid strenuous activities and cold or polluted environments. It's also important to rest and follow medical advice to promote recovery. You can wear a surgical mask to limit contagion to vulnerable people.

What is the most effective medicine for bronchitis?

There is no specific medicine that guarantees the best results, as treatment depends on the cause. Most often viral in origin, treatment is symptomatic, with no specific medication. Bronchodilators, corticosteroids and, if there is a bacterial complication, antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.

How can I clear my bronchial tubes?

We recommend that you drink plenty of hot liquids and inhale steam, as well as resting and avoiding irritants such as smoke.

Bronchitis: when should you seek medical advice?

Although this is a benign infection, you should consult a general practitioner as soon as possible:

• If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks
• If you see blood when you cough
• If you have a high fever (over 38.5)
• If you have severe breathing difficulties
• If you suffer from chronic respiratory or cardiac disease
• If you are a baby or an elderly person in fragile health.

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