Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis

If you carefully observe the term 'asthmatic bronchitis', it consists of two pulmonary diseases, 'asthma' and 'bronchitis', both of them being listed under the category of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). Bronchitis is a condition wherein inflammation occurs in the bronchial tubes which are meant to supply air to and from our lungs. This inflammation can lead to narrowing of the airways which can lead to breathing difficulties. On the other hand, asthma also leads to narrowing of the airway muscles due to inflammation. When both these conditions co-exist together, it is known as asthmatic bronchitis. The prefix of the term 'chronic' signifies that the condition has become highly persistent that it has led to excessive obstruction in the bronchial tubes. Mucus production is also observed in this condition resulting in wet cough and wheezing. Are you wondering if asthmatic bronchitis is contagious? Although, bronchitis is definitely contagious, chronic asthmatic bronchitis is not considered to be a contagious condition!

Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis Symptoms

This condition is a result of untreated acute bronchitis which further spreads and becomes chronic in nature, leading to a permanent damage due to prolonged infection, either due to bacteria and viruses, or due to external irritants that enter the airways via smoking. The symptoms of this condition are very similar to those that a person tends to experience when suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Some of them are mentioned as follows.

• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pain and tightness
• Infections in the respiratory system, like cold and flu
• Soreness and irritation in the throat
• Wet cough and wheezing which stays for several weeks
• Prolonged infections and symptoms that keep on reappearing
• Difficulty singing or even speaking in a high voice tone
• Weakness and fatigue
• The consistency of the mucus becomes thicker as compared to acute asthmatic bronchitis

If you are suffering from the chronic form of asthmatic bronchitis, you are likely to experience the aforementioned signs and symptoms for quite some time, which could be several weeks or more, perhaps. Which is why, it is important to get in touch with your healthcare specialist as soon as possible.

What Causes Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis?

This condition is an elevated form of untreated acute asthmatic bronchitis. There are various factors that can trigger this condition in a person. These factors include both internal as well as external factors. Some of these are mentioned as follows.

• Weak immune system
• Hyperactive respiratory tract
• Infections due to bacteria and viruses
• Respiratory infections, especially if it has been prevalent since childhood
• Smoking tobacco
• Exposure to allergens, pollutants, and certain chemicals
• Changes in the weather
• Physical and emotional stress

Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis: Medications and Treatment

After identifying the signs and symptoms of the condition, it is a must to get in touch with your healthcare specialist to prevent further complications. Because the condition is nothing but the co-existence of asthma and bronchitis, the treatment options that are used are the same as used in case of asthma and bronchitis. Your doctor would ask you to use long acting bronchodilators such as salmeterol and formeterol, which helps in opening up the bronchial tubes and clear the mucus so that more air can pass through them. These long-acting bronchodilators are taken along with inhaled corticosteroids which helps in minimizing the bothering symptoms like breathing problems and coughing. Oral medications may also be prescribed to control some additional symptoms of the condition.

Apart from the treatment options, it is also very important to bring some lifestyle changes in your daily routine. Give up on smoking tobacco and avoid exposure towards allergens and pollutants. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly (as advised by the doctor). This would help you build up a healthy immune system. Breathing exercises and meditation will also help make the respiratory system more stronger. And last but not the least, it is very important to get yourself checked regularly by your healthcare specialist. I hope this brief write-up helped you gain a better understanding about the condition. After all, educating yourself is the first step towards having a safe and healthy tomorrow. Right?

By Shalu Bhatti