Traces of blood in your mucus may be a sign of Acute Bronchitis

Does constant coughing spoil your sleep at night? And if the excessive coughing hurts your chest and lungs, and you notice some blood in it, then you may be suffering from bronchitis.

Bronchitis is a respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tube serves to carry air to the lungs. When this tube gets inflamed and swollen, a lot of cough and mucus causes chest congestion.

Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is a short term infection that normally lasts for around 2-4 weeks. Viral infection is the primary cause behind this disorder, which also causes cold and flu. This infection increases the swelling in the lung’s wind pipe and fills it with phlegm.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a persistent burning in the bronchial tubes and is often caused by smoking. This disorder can trouble you for months or even years. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control in the USA, if you are struggling with this, then do not resort to antibiotics because they will not help in the healing process.

Also watch: From childhood to old-age: The long-term effects of pollution on brainpower

Primary reasons behind acute bronchitis

• Regular smoking
• Weak immune system
• Working at a chemical factory
• Increase in gastric reflux

When to visit the doctor?

• Body temperature above 100.4 degree celsius
• Traces of blood in the mucus
• Difficulty in breathing
• The above symptoms lasting longer than 3 weeks

Make sure to consult a doctor before consuming any medicine. This is because, common cold relief medicines may bring about temporary relief but they do not cure bronchitis.

Also watch: Keeping your blood pressure in check has never been more important!