What is Asthmatic Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that occurs when the airways in the lungs become diseased. As the illness progresses, the lining of the airways gets more constricted. Even though bronchitis may occur even if you do not have asthma, having asthma increases your chances of acquiring the condition [1].

Bronchitis caused by asthma is known as asthmatic bronchitis. Both situations are interconnected. If you have asthma, you are at a higher risk of developing bronchitis. This is because asthma causes the air capillaries in your lungs to contract. When the airways become inflamed, mucus is produced by the body.

When your body attempts to flush away what it believes to be an infection, this mucus may obstruct and weaken the passageways [2]. When you have an asthma attack, everything that is in your airways, particularly germs and viruses, will get stuck in your airways and cause you to become severely breathless.

 Such waste in the lungs causes lung tissue to deteriorate. And your chances of getting asthmatic bronchitis are increased even higher.

Causes of Asthmatic Bronchitis:

There are a variety of factors that might cause the production of inflammatory chemicals in the airway. Some of them are:

• Tobacco smoke
• Carbon emission
• Allergens
• Food additives
• Chemical compounds
• Medications
• Intense workout
• Changes in the weather
• Infections caused by viruses or bacteria

Symptoms of Asthmatic Bronchitis:

The symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis are a mix of bronchitis and asthma as the name suggests itself. There is a possibility that you may suffer following mentioned symptoms [3]:

• Excessive gasping for air
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Tightness in the chest
• Breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Excessive production of mucous

However, there are a few significant indications of Asthmatic bronchitis' that could signal the presence of potentially fatal health conditions, and such symptoms should never be overlooked.

• A bluish tint to the lips, fingernails, or toenails
• A change in one's degree of awareness or attentiveness
• Pulmonary or respiratory issues

How to Diagnose Asthmatic Bronchitis?

If you have been having symptoms, schedule a meeting with your doctor as soon as possible. The healthcare provider would then conduct different tests and examinations in order to diagnose your medical condition. Your doctor may request tests such as the ones listed below [4].

• Spirometry
• Peak expiratory flow
• Chest X-Ray
• CBC

Treatment of Asthmatic Bronchitis

The first step in treating asthmatic bronchitis is to seek medical assistance from a qualified health care professional. Asthmatic bronchitis medications function by interrupting the biochemical processes that generate the symptoms of the disease. Since asthma is a huge reason for the development of asthmatic bronchitis, the treatment regimen is directed towards reducing the severity and frequency of asthma attacks [5].

• Medicines to be inhaled for long-term asthma control
• Asthma treatments that provide immediate relief
• Training in pulmonary rehabilitation

Prevention of Asthmatic Bronchitis:

It is advisable to keep your asthma under control to minimize the development of asthmatic bronchitis. You may also make efforts to decrease your exposure to stimulants of the air passages. This might signify one of the following:

• Putting on a mask
• Acquiring an air filtration system
• Eliminating pets from the house

You may also consider taking a flu shot once a year.

 

 

 

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3283880/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4510715/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151913/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4405919/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696883/

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