Am I At Risk Of Getting Acute Bronchitis?

Do you have a cold or the flu?

Are you around others who are sick?

Are you a smoker or do you live with a person who smokes?

Do you have allergies or asthma?

Are you in contact with substances such as aluminum, chlorine, asbestos or farming dust at work?

Do you have a chronic illness or have you recently had an acute infection?

Do you have severe heartburn?

Did you miss the annual flu shot?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a medical condition characterized by an infection of the lower respiratory tract. It refers to an inflammation of the bronchial mucosa (bronchi are pipes that carry air to and from the lungs). Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, very often the same ones that cause colds and flu. To reduce your risk of contracting a viral infection, avoid contact with anyone who has respiratory symptoms and wash your hands often with soap and warm water. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. People with chronic diseases are especially susceptible to viral infections.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis or a chest cold is a medical condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the large and medium airways in your lungs, known as the bronchi. It occurs suddenly and lasts up to ten days. Acute bronchitis is caused by viruses and often occurs as a complication of a cold or flu. You can protect yourself from viral infections including bronchitis if you receive an annual flu vaccine. If you have a chronic illness, consult your doctor about another vaccine that protects against some types of pneumonia.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi (airways in the lungs). The inflamed bronchial mucosa begins to produce more mucus than usual, leading to an intense cough. Acute bronchitis occurs much more often in smokers and in those who live with smokers (people exposed to secondhand smoke). Smoking weakens the lungs' ability to resist infection. Also, smokers will have a longer recovery time. The risk of bronchitis is higher in people who come into contact with irritants at work or are exposed to chemical fumes.