Asthma & bronchitis: what’s the link?

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Asthma and bronchitis are considered to be two distinct lung diseases, but they are related. Asthma is an inherited condition that causes inflammation of the bronchi, or respiratory passages that lead from the windpipe to the lungs. People with asthma can sometimes experience asthma attacks, during which the airways become inflamed and narrowed. Bronchitis, on the other hand, is not an inherited condition but can be caused by an infection or environmental irritants. Bronchitis can make asthma symptoms worse, and people with asthma may be at a higher risk of developing bronchitis.

Asthma is a relatively common lung disease that is normally passed on genetically from parents to children. Asthma symptoms may begin very early in life or may not appear until late adulthood. Some experts think that other factors, such as viral infection or environmental pollutants, may contribute to the development of asthma in those who are already genetically predisposed to the condition.

Asthma typically causes swelling and inflammation in the bronchial tubes of the lungs. Often, asthma can cause the muscles around the lungs to spasm, making breathing even more difficult during a bout of the disease. Asthma also generally causes increased fluid accumulation in the lungs and increased phlegm production. Allergies, exercise, sinus problems, and heartburn can all contribute to asthma symptoms.

Asthma and bronchitis are considered inextricably linked. Asthma sufferers generally experience an increased risk of bronchitis. Bronchitis infection can also kick off asthma symptoms in those suffering from this chronic condition.

Bronchitis generally causes inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs. Bronchitis usually causes symptoms similar to those of asthma, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and increased phlegm production. The irritation caused by bronchitis can trigger asthma symptoms. Because asthma can leave the airways of the lungs chronically inflamed, it can contribute to the development of chronic bronchitis, especially when environmental irritants are present.

Bronchitis often occurs due to a bacterial or viral infection. Especially in the case of viral bronchitis infection, asthma and bronchitis in the same patient can cause a condition known as chronic asthmatic bronchitis. This condition usually requires long-term symptom management.

People with asthma are often advised to take preventive measures against bronchitis, as asthma and bronchitis combined can be so dangerous. Asthmatic patients are generally advised to keep up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccines and to avoid smoking cigarettes. They are also usually encouraged to avoid secondhand smoke. Environmental irritants, including dust, pollen, mold, or airborne chemicals, can also contribute to the simultaneous development of asthma and bronchitis.

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