What Is Asthmatic Bronchitis?

Both asthma and chronic bronchitis are conditions that fall under the category of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a general term that is used to describe any condition that affects your ability to breathe normally. Chronic bronchitis and asthma both can be taxing to the body. In some cases bronchitis can worsen and develop into a chronic condition and cause symptoms of asthma. In addition, those with asthma can experience inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes. It is good to learn all you can about this condition in order to help yourself manage the symptoms.

Function

To understand these conditions it is important to know how your body transports air. It begins as you inhale air through the nose and/or mouth. This air then travels to the back of your throat and continues down your trachea or windpipe. The trachea divides into two bronchial tubes that connect to the lungs. Inside the lungs, the bronchial tubes then divide into many smaller branches called bronchials. Each bronchial ends in a tiny sac called alveoli. Your inhaled air passes through the walls of the alveoli and into the bloodstream. This oxygenated blood is then delivered to the heart.

Identification

The term bronchitis is used when there is inflammation to the mucus membrane of the bronchial tubes. The bronchi of which there are two are responsible for providing a passageway for air to get into the lungs. As mentioned above, the two bronchi are located at the end of the trachea or windpipe. As these passageways are narrowed there is less air available to the lungs.
Asthma also occurs due to inflammation to same airway passages or bronchial tubes, which reduces the air flow to the lungs. With asthma, the allergens or substances that cause the inflammation trigger a tightening of the bands of muscle that surround and move the airway passages. As the muscles tighten the airway narrows, limiting a person's ability to breathe.

Types

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis occurs when there is a viral or bacterial infection. It often occurs after a cold or respiratory infection. Acute bronchitis will usually resolve after a period of days. Chronic bronchitis is permanent damage that may be caused by smoking or long-term exposure to irritants. Due to the inflammation the passageways become more narrow. With chronic bronchitis the symptoms keep reoccurring.
Asthma can occur when there is exposure to allergens. These allergens can be in the air or in your food. Asthma can also be triggered by exercise, smoking and infections. The symptoms and severity can vary greatly from person to person. Symptoms can include infrequent wheezing with normal breathing at other times. It can also be very severe and life threatening.
Asthmatic bronchitis occurs when both of these conditions and their symptoms are present simultaneously.

Effects

Symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis or bronchial asthma are similar to those that would occur with each individual condition.
The symptoms of bronchitis are a long-lasting cough that brings up yellow, gray or green mucus. If this lasts for more then three months it is then classified as chronic bronchitis. Other symptoms can include the need to clear one's throat on a regular basis that lasts for more than three months. There can also be symptoms of a sore throat, chest compression, fatigue, breathlessness and wheezing.
The symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness, disturbed sleep due to breathing difficulty, whistling sounds while breathing or bouts of coughing. Other less common signs can include postnasal drip and acid reflux. Sometimes the side effects of some medications can mimic asthma-type symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

You can greatly reduce your chances of getting both of these conditions, especially bronchitis, by leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Refraining from smoking and exposure to pollutants is essential. Identify and stay away from known allergens. Getting regular aerobic exercise helps to make and keep the muscles of the respiratory system strong, which will make breathing easier. Eating a well-balanced diet will help your body stay strong and fight off infection. Get plenty of rest and manage your stress levels. Deep-breathing exercises, like those taught in yoga, can also be a gentle yet effective way to strengthen your lungs and manage your symptoms. Always get regular checkups and keep on top of your health.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic--Understanding Bronchitis
• WebMD--Overview of Bronchial Asthma
• American Lung Association