 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is bronchitis?
- Symptoms of bronchitis
- Causes of bronchitis
- Prevention of bronchitis
- Risk factors for bronchitis
- Complications of bronchitis
- When to see a doctor about bronchitis
- Diagnosis of bronchitis
- Conventional treatment of bronchitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of bronchitis
- Living with bronchitis
- Caring for someone with bronchitis
Causes of acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is usually a short-term, severe infection of the upper respiratory tract (mainly the bronchi) and the main causes are:
- Bacteria and viruses that cause the common cold can also cause acute bronchitis (infectious bronchitis)
- Most commonly occurs in winter when there are more viruses in circulation
- Can sometimes be caused by inhalation of irritant chemicals, such as cleaning products, paints, solvents and other chemicals
Advertisement
Causes of chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by non-infectious irritants to the lungs, which have been inhaled. Smoking is the main cause of this condition, but there are other irritants which can cause it. Any of the irritants below can cause bronchitis which normally occurs with longer term exposure, but some people with more sensitive lungs and bronchi may experience the condition after only a shorter term:
- Air pollution
- Asthma - untreated (or not properly treated) can develop into bronchitis
- Environmental chemicals
- Household cleaners
- Dust
- Smoking - the most common cause of chronic bronchitis
- Toxic gases
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 2: symptoms 4: prevention > Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
