Asthmatic Bronchitis

Asthmatic Bronchitis

Asthma causes an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The muscle bands around the bronchial tubes tighten and restrict the flow of oxygen into the lungs when there is an exposure to an environmental trigger. Asthma medications work to alleviate this inflammation and open up the airways to the lungs.

When the inflammation is persistent despite asthma treatment, it is called asthmatic bronchitis. The cause is the asthma, but the condition mimics bronchitis. People with asthma are also at high risk for developing a condition known as chronic cough.

Bronchitis is a viral or bacterial infection of the airways to the lungs. Acute bronchitis causes coughing and wheezing. This combination of coughing and wheezing is sometimes referred to as asthmatic bronchitis. The symptoms of acute bronchitis usually subside within a few weeks.

Symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and recurrent infections. It is not clear why some people with asthma develop chronic asthmatic bronchitis. Smoking and exposure to environmental irritants are contributing factors.

Hospitalization may be necessary for the treatment of asthmatic bronchitis. Those infected with this condition are susceptible to developing pneumonia, acute bronchitis, or sinusitis. Other medical conditions may also pose a threat.