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Causes Of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a disease related to the respiratory system. This medical condition is marked by the inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the bronchial passages in the lungs. This soreness leads to swelling of the membrane. The increase in the thickness of the membrane constricts the air passage in the lungs. This situation shows up in the form of bouts of cough accompanied with thick phlegm and breathlessness. |
Bronchitis can be categorized into two basic forms, acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. People suffering from asthma also experience similar problems termed as asthmatic bronchitis.
The causes of the disease vary from viral or bacterial infection to smoking and exposure to harmful fumes that affect the bronchial tubes adversely. Smokers, the elderly and people with feeble immunity are most vulnerable to bronchitis.
The cause for acute bronchitis is frequently a viral infection. The virus is similar to the type that causes common cold and flu. Influenza A and B viruses are the common forms of virus that cause acute bronchitis. Bacterial infection is the secondary cause for this condition. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the bacteria known to cause this disease.
Other reasons for the infection could be smoking of tobacco, prolonged contact with toxic gases and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
An infection of the upper respiratory tract along with cough and excess production of mucus are the common symptoms of acute bronchitis. Under normal circumstances, the infection lasts for about six weeks and thereafter the mucous membrane reverts to its normal thickness.
Chronic bronchitis is the more severe form of bronchitis. The cause for this disease is primarily exposure to tobacco smoke. Factors such as air pollutants and contact with toxic gases are also considered as the possible causes. The habit of smoking over a prolonged period of time causes harm to cilia. Cilia are the hair like structures in the lungs meant to perform the function of filtering irritants and excessive mucus. Damage to cilia renders the body more susceptible to chronic bronchitis. Chain smoking leads to persistent swelling of the mucous membrane and eventually the cilia become dysfunctional. As a consequence, frequent infections attack the respiratory system and cause permanent harm to the air passage. This condition is referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.
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Causes Of Bronchitis
