Prevention of acute bronchitis: Tips and warnings

With the arrival of winter and the drop in temperatures, respiratory illnesses become increasingly common. In this context, the Gulf Health Council has issued important guidelines on preventing acute bronchitis , which is one of the most prevalent diseases during the colder months due to weakened immunity and the ease of viral transmission.

What is acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is defined as an irritation and swelling of the bronchial tubes and airways responsible for carrying air to the lungs. This inflammation leads to increased mucus production and accumulation in the lungs, prompting the body to cough repeatedly in an attempt to expel these secretions. While symptoms of this inflammation typically last less than three weeks, they can be quite bothersome and significantly impact daily life.

Why does the spread increase in winter?

Historically and medically, winter is associated with increased activity of respiratory viruses. This is due to several reasons, including people spending more time indoors, which facilitates the spread of infection, and the fact that cold, dry air can weaken the resistance of the mucous membranes in the nose and airways, making them a breeding ground for viruses.

Approved prevention measures

The Gulf Health Council has identified a set of necessary preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease, including:

• Personal hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to kill any lingering germs.
• Immunization: Make sure to get the recommended seasonal vaccines, most importantly the flu vaccine, which reduces the risk of respiratory complications.
• Avoid smoking: Avoid smoking in all its forms, as well as passive smoking (sitting with smokers), as smoke irritates the airways and weakens the lungs.
• Cough etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of infectious droplets to others.

The truth about antibiotics and treating inflammation

A common mistake, both globally and locally, is the immediate use of antibiotics at the first sign of respiratory symptoms. The council clarified a crucial point in this regard: antibiotics are ineffective in treating acute bronchitis if the cause is viral, which is the case for the majority of winter infections.

This warning aligns with global efforts to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance to public health. Antibiotics should only be used in specific cases, such as when a fever persists for more than a week, which may indicate a secondary bacterial infection requiring different medical intervention.