Many of us become increasingly aware of bronchitis during the fall and winter months, as this illness typically becomes more prevalent during flu season.

Older adults and young children are most likely to get sick with bronchitis, but there are other risk factors that can make you more likely to develop both types of this respiratory illness.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Easley highlights some facts you need to know about bronchitis!

What Are the Types of Bronchitis?

There are two types of bronchitis—chronic and acute. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi, and it’s common among smokers. People with chronic bronchitis tend to get lung infections more easily, and they also have episodes of acute bronchitis, when symptoms are worse.

Acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation of the bronchi, and it’s most often caused by a virus, like influenza, which is why it’s more common during the winter months. Another common cause of acute bronchitis is when something that irritates the lungs is inhaled, such as tobacco smoke, fumes, dust or air pollution. Additionally, acute bronchitis is temporary and doesn’t usually cause any long-term breathing problems.

When to See a Doctor for Bronchitis

• Lasts more than three weeks
• Prevents you from sleeping
• Is accompanied by fever higher than 100.4 F
• Produces discolored mucus
• Produces blood
• Is associated with wheezing or shortness of breath

How Can I Prevent Bronchitis?

Like we said earlier, those who are most susceptible to bronchitis are those ages 65 and older and ages 2 and younger.

Although these age groups are most at risk of developing bronchitis, anyone can get it. We’ve listed some helpful prevention tips below.

Ways to Fight Off Bronchitis

• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes if you’re around people with bronchitis.
• Avoid sharing glasses or utensils.
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, particularly during cold and flu season.
• Stop smoking or avoid secondhand smoke.
• Eat a balanced diet to keep your body as healthy as possible.
• Get vaccines for the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia and whooping cough.
• Limit exposure to air irritants such as dust, chemical fumes and other pollutants. Wear a mask, if necessary.

Have additional questions about bronchitis? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Easley team today.