Bronchitis is a common respiratory disease that can occur in both children and adults. However, not everyone knows clearly what the cause of bronchitis is so there is an effective way to prevent it. Let’s find out more with the article below!
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, the main airways (respiratory tracts) that carry air to and from the lungs. When the respiratory tract is irritated or infected, the body’s immune system will have an inflammatory response, causing the bronchial mucosa to swell, be painful, and increase fluid secretion. These local inflammatory reactions are the first gateway against bacteria, limiting them from penetrating deeper into the body.
Bronchitis is classified as follows:
- Acute bronchitis is an inflammatory condition that appears quickly, only about 2-3 days after exposure to pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.
- Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing inflammatory condition that causes cough and shortness of breath lasting at least 3 months or more in a year, with recurring attacks occurring for at least 2 consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What is the cause of bronchitis?
Causes of acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis often develops due to an infection that causes the bronchi to become irritated and inflamed. Infectious agents that cause acute bronchitis may include:
- Viruses. Viruses that cause bronchitis include influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Adenovirus, Rhovirus (the virus that causes the common cold), and Corona virus.
- Bacteria. Types of bacteria that cause bronchitis include Bordetella (the bacteria that causes whooping cough), Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. Among bacteria, Streptococcus Pneumoniae is a common group of bacteria that causes infections in the respiratory tract.
- Mushroom. Normally, people with normal immune systems rarely get fungal infections in the respiratory tract. Fungal infections in the respiratory tract, specifically the bronchi, are common in people with weakened immune systems: malnutrition, diseases such as cancer, organ transplants, a history of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or people using Prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs, etc.
Causes of chronic bronchitis
Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is not caused by viruses or bacteria. The cause of chronic bronchitis is often long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways.
The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoke. Up to 88% of people with chronic bronchitis smoke or have ever smoked. Over time, cigarette smoke can cause permanent damage to the bronchi, causing them to become chronically inflamed.
Smoking pipes, cigars and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause chronic bronchitis, even if you are a passive smoker.
Air pollution, dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace can also contribute to this condition. In particular, people whose occupations are often exposed to SO2, NO2, etc. such as mine workers, cement factories, garment workers, textile factories, etc.
People who frequently suffer from acute bronchitis due to viral, bacterial or fungal causes are also susceptible to chronic bronchitis.
Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause chronic bronchitis. Additionally, smokers are more likely to develop the disease if they have a family history of COPD.
Risk factors
Anyone can get bronchitis, but you are at higher risk if:
- Smoking or being near smokers. People who smoke or live with a smoker have a higher risk of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
- Age over 40 and often cough in the morning.
- Poor resistance. Subjects with poor resistance may include: older adults, infants and young children, and people with another chronic condition that weakens the immune system.
- History of respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, COPD, tuberculosis or other respiratory diseases.
- Have an autoimmune disorder or another disease that causes inflammation.
- Exposure to irritants, such as dust or chemical fumes from the environment or workplace. You are at higher risk if your bronchial tubes have been damaged.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). You can get acute bronchitis when stomach acid enters the bronchial tubes and causes irritation, leading to inflammation.
Understand the causes of bronchitis for effective prevention
To reduce your risk of bronchitis, follow these tips:
- Avoid cigarette smoke. Smoking damages your bronchial tubes and puts you at higher risk for infections that cause acute bronchitis. Smoking also slows down the recovery process of the lungs after damage. Cigarette smoke increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.
- Avoid lung irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.
- If you have asthma or allergies, avoid anything that can make it worse, including pet dander, dust and pollen.
- Control asthma or other conditions that affect the respiratory tract.
- Use a humidifier because moist air reduces the likelihood of irritating the lungs.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you cannot use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Get a flu vaccine every year and consider getting a pneumococcal vaccine if you’re over 60 years old.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when going outside or being exposed to lung irritants.
