Also known as “asthmatic or asthmatic bronchitis”, infectious bronchitis is often confused with an asthma attack. Generally occurring in autumn or winter, it is nevertheless a disease that sometimes requires specific treatment, in order to avoid possible complications.
Definition: what is asthmatic bronchitis?
“The term asthmatic bronchitis does not mean anything in itself, immediately explains Dr. Khuder Alagha, pulmonologist. Either the patient has infectious bronchitis, of viral or bacterial originwith wheezing and very marked difficulty breathing, either he has asthma“. The diagnosis of asthma in adults is based on the history of the disease and the respiratory function test (EFR) carried out by the pulmonologist. “In children, EFR is difficult to perform so the diagnosis is rather clinical with 3 consecutive wheezing bronchitis. So we must not ignore a diagnosis of asthma in case of wheezing bronchitis”.
What are the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis?
The usual symptoms of asthma are a cough with wheeze, especially at night (around 4am), shortness of breath on exertion and the presence hypersecretions. “Infectious bronchitis combines these three symptoms, with the addition of fever, sign of a viral or bacterial infectioncontinues the doctor. If on auscultation, the doctor hears small crackles in the lungs or bronchian X-ray or a scanner may be requested to confirm pneumonia or not”.
What is the cause of asthmatic bronchitis?
Infectious bronchitis is linked to germs (virus or bacteria). “In rare cases, in immunocompromised persons, mushrooms may be involved, says the specialist. They can be caused by immune system diseases also“. Asthma does not have a single cause: genetic factors and environmental factors are involved in the genesis of this disease. “asthma attacks can be linked to allergens, respiratory infections, respiratory irritants (tobacco smoke, air pollution, workplace irritants) and sometimes it is the nature of the asthmatic disease that is called severe asthma which requires highly specialized care“.
Is it contagious ?
“Infectious bronchitis linked to viruses (flu, Covid, etc.) is contagious”.
How long does asthmatic bronchitis last?
Depending on the microbe in question, infectious bronchitis can last from 5 to 15 days in general. “Asthma, on the other hand, is a chronic disease. which lasts for life. Treatments reduce recurrence of attacks and control asthma until remission but not cure“, says the doctor.
Who to consult in case of asthmatic bronchitis?
“In the first place, whether for infectious bronchitis or for asthma, it is necessary consult your general practitioner, confirms our interlocutor. In case of repeated wheezing bronchitis (more than 2), it will then be necessary to see a pulmonologist”.
What is the treatment for asthmatic bronchitis?
Treatment again depends on the cause. “In case of viral bronchitis, in a healthy adult, no treatment is necessary, watch the pulmonologist. Bronchitis normally heals in 10 days. For bacterial bronchitis, the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics, typically amoxicillin-based“. You can also lower the fever with paracetamol.
Regarding asthma, it is first of all important to have a good diagnosis by a specialist with a precise examination of the patient (frequency of attacks, circumstances of occurrence, family history, etc.) and a respiratory function test. The treatment is based on the recommendations of GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) which aims to control the disease. “Namely a inhalation therapy, involving treatment with bronchodilator and corticosteroid low dose is used to relieve symptoms and, if necessary, a daily background treatment that helps prevent attacks and maintain the most optimal respiratory function possible. In the event of poorly controlled asthma despite optimal management and good compliance, the patient may benefit from biotherapies based on monoclonal antibodies targeting molecules involved in the inflammatory response“There is always a lot of room for clinical research in the management of intractable severe asthma.”We do not recommend treatments based on essential oils, because the lungs do not know how to eliminate lipids. On the other hand, it is necessary to maintain regular physical activity and stop smoking in smokers“.
1000 deaths per year in France are caused by severe acute asthma
What are the possible complications of asthmatic bronchitis?
“For infectious bronchitis, the risk of complication is pneumonia and respiratory distress, which will require antibiotic therapy with or without corticosteroid therapy and for the most fragile people a hospitalization“, concludes Dr. Alagha. On the asthma side, in the absence of treatment, the patient can progress to severe acute asthma.”It is characterized in particular by a very severe obstruction of the bronchi. The air no longer passes. This entails an intense effort, to breathe”. Unfortunately we always regret 1000 deaths per year in France from severe acute asthmahence the importance of specialized care.
Thanks to Dr Khuder Alagha, pulmonologist at the Clinique du Parc in Castelnau Le Lez (34), for his participation.