Causes of acute and chronic bronchitis: An overview

Image source: cdc.gov

Lisa M. Cannon is a doctor who has, for decades, helped clients with respiratory and sleep problems. Through her series of blogs, she has imparted parts of her vast knowledge of health and wellness. While Dr. Lisa M. Cannon’s blogs are highly informative, she still recommends a doctor’s visit as the first course of action.

For this, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon sheds light on acute and chronic bronchitis, specifically on their causes.

Bronchitis is one of the more common lung conditions that patients have diagnosed and treated. It happens when the lining of the bronchial tubes experience inflammation and swelling, making it difficult for people to breathe in oxygen and clear out the phlegm from the airways.

Acute bronchitis lasts for a few days. Causes of acute bronchitis are viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, acute bronchitis leads to colds and maybe even a fever. Influenza (the flu), rhinovirus, and other viral infections may also lead to acute bronchitis and vice versa. Viral infections account for 9 out of every 10 cases. The remaining 10% of acute bronchitis patients suffer from bacterial infection.

Image source: medicalnewstoday.com

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, can last for as short as three months to as long as two or more years, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon notes. For patients with this condition, medical intervention is important. Causes of chronic bronchitis include prolonged and heavy exposure to chemicals, pollutants, or even dust. However, heavy use of cigarettes and tobacco is the most common trigger, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon adds.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon graduated from New York Medical College in 1991 and obtained her pulmonary fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. Before starting her own private practice in New Jersey, she was affiliated with Pascack Valley Hospital and the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. For more articles like this, visit this blog.