What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. These tubes can become swollen or inflamed, usually due to an infection. The two main types of bronchitis are acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a short-term illness lasting four weeks or less. It is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and clears up on its own without lasting damage. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that involves a cough with mucus that lasts for at least three months, two years in a row. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
The main symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Cough with mucus (phlegm) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish in color. The cough may be dry or produce mucus.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Chest congestion or tightness.
- Fatigue or tiredness.
- Fever or chills.
- Coughing up blood in severe cases.
The symptoms of acute bronchitis are usually milder and clear within a few weeks. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis may come and go but persist for longer than three months for two consecutive years or more. Chronic bronchitis can also lead to serious long-term problems like emphysema over the years.
Rising Cases of Bronchitis Globally
According to recent reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), cases of both acute and chronic bronchitis have been rising sharply across the globe in the past two decades. Some key statistics:
- Over 490 million new cases of acute bronchitis were reported worldwide in 2019 which was 30% higher than the cases reported in 2000.
- The prevalence of chronic bronchitis increased by over 45% between 2000-2020 with 164 million estimated cases globally as of 2020.
- Developing nations have accounted for most of this rise due to growing population, air pollution and increased tobacco consumption.
- Countries in Southeast Asia and Africa have witnessed the highest increase in the prevalence of bronchitis during this period.
The rising socioeconomic costs of Bronchitis Treatment and management have placed a huge burden on healthcare systems, especially in low to middle-income countries.
Risk Factors for Bronchitis
Several factors increase the risks of developing bronchitis including:
- Cigarette smoking is a leading cause and responsible for over 80% of chronic bronchitis cases. Exposure to secondhand smoke also heightens risks.
- Air pollution from industries, traffic emissions and biomass burning significantly raises risks. Long-term or repeated exposure increases chronic bronchitis risks.
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