7 Causes of Bronchitis and Its Symptoms, Don't Underestimate It!

Kapanlagi.com - Bronchitis is a health problem that occurs in the respiratory tract, namely the bronchus. This condition can cause sufferers to experience persistent coughing for a certain period of time. The cause of bronchitis itself is often associated with smoking, which is a common activity.

Bronchitis should not be underestimated, as it occurs due to inflammation in the respiratory tract, which functions as an airway to and from the lungs. When this part is disrupted, respiratory problems can be experienced by the sufferer with common symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.

 Bronchitis is divided into two types, namely acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. According to mayoclinic.org, acute bronchitis is also known as chest cold, which occurs for one to ten days and does not cause further effects after that time. Meanwhile, chronic bronchitis is a condition that needs to be wary of because it is classified as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In this case, chronic bronchitis can be said to have a high risk compared to acute bronchitis. This is because the sufferer can experience recurring chronic bronchitis. In addition, chronic bronchitis can also trigger complications for sufferers because thick phlegm or mucus is stored in the respiratory tract.

Although the main cause is associated with smoking, bronchitis can also be triggered by other factors. Here are the causes of bronchitis and its symptoms that cannot be underestimated. The following has been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Cigarette Smoke

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The first cause of bronchitis can occur due to exposure to cigarette smoke. As it is known, the compounds in cigarettes can trigger certain health problems, including respiratory tract disorders. In this case, cigarette smoke can be a common cause of bronchitis.

According to mayoclinic.org, individuals who have a smoking habit or live with smokers are at high risk of experiencing acute or chronic bronchitis. This not only affects active smokers but also passive smokers.

2. Weak Immune System

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The next cause of bronchitis can occur due to a weak immune system. The immune system functions to protect the body from various diseases, viruses, and bacteria that attack. When the immune system is weak, the body will be vulnerable to certain diseases, including bronchitis. Weak immune system can be triggered by several factors such as having a disease or currently experiencing the flu.

According to the same source, a weak immune system can also risk causing a person to experience bronchitis. Adults of old age or young children can be susceptible to bacterial or viral infections if the immune system is weak.

3. Exposure to Chemicals

The cause of bronchitis can also be triggered by exposure to chemicals. This is because certain chemicals are known to contain substances that can have a negative impact on health conditions. Among these chemicals are textile chemicals or other chemicals that have the potential to disrupt respiratory problems. In this case, people who frequently work with exposure to chemicals or other irritants are at risk of experiencing bronchitis and lung irritation.

4. Having Gastric Reflux Problems

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Problems with the stomach such as GERD can also be a cause of bronchitis. As is known, when experiencing gastric reflux, several symptoms can be felt by sufferers such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and dry cough. According to mayoclinic.com, several symptoms that arise from GERD can irritate the throat and make a person susceptible to bronchitis. Consultation and further examination with a healthcare professional are necessary to obtain appropriate treatment for gastric reflux or bronchitis.

5. Experiencing the Flu

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The flu is a common health disorder that can occur in anyone with various symptoms. The flu can occur when the body is infected by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. As a result, the patient will experience fever, headache, runny nose, stuffy nose, and cough.

This condition can also make a person susceptible to bronchitis. Especially when experiencing the flu, the immune system will be weak and vulnerable to various other diseases. Consultation and further examination with a healthcare professional are necessary to obtain appropriate treatment for the flu or bronchitis.

6. Air Pollution

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Air pollution that can come from various sources can also be a cause of bronchitis. Air pollution can carry various pollutants, including dust and other compounds that have a negative impact on the body's health. In this case, air pollution also contributes to bronchitis disorders that cannot be underestimated. Air pollution can come from the environment where people live or work.

7. Having Asthma or Allergies

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People with health problems such as asthma and allergies are also vulnerable to bronchitis as reported by webmd.com. Asthma itself is a disease that attacks the respiratory tract, causing sufferers to have difficulty breathing. In this case, the causes of asthma can be triggered by allergies to various things, such as air pollution, animal fur, viral infections, or chemicals.

8. Symptoms of Bronchitis

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After understanding the various causes of bronchitis, it is important to know the symptoms that can be experienced when having bronchitis as early as possible. The symptoms of bronchitis are as follows:

- Cough with phlegm.

- Shortness of breath.

- Chest pain.

- Body feels tired.

- Diarrhea.

- Nausea and vomiting.

- Stuffy nose.

- Sore throat.

- Body chills.

Those are the causes of bronchitis along with its symptoms, which should not be underestimated. Consultation and further examination are needed to address and prevent bronchitis as early as possible.

(kpl/nlw)