【Common Diseases】Bronchitis
[Editor's In-Depth Analysis] A Complete Guide to Bronchitis Treatment and Care in Hong Kong
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial mucosa , which causes swelling of the respiratory tract, increased secretions, and affected air circulation.
In Hong Kong, bronchitis can be classified as:
- Acute bronchitis : mostly caused by viral infection, but may also be caused by bacteria, air pollution, and smoke irritation. The course of the disease is usually less than 3 weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis : A part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined as a cough with sputum production for at least three months each year for two consecutive years .
Common causes in Hong Kong
- Viral infections (most common, such as rhinovirus, influenza virus)
- Bacterial infections (eg, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae)
- Smoking (one of the main causes, especially in chronic bronchitis)
- Air pollution and chemical irritants
- Allergic reaction
- History of recurrent respiratory infections
Editor's reminder:
Winter and early spring in Hong Kong are the peak seasons for bronchitis due to low temperatures, dry air, and the activity of influenza and respiratory viruses.
Common symptoms
- Persistent cough (may be dry or produce phlegm)
- clear, white, yellow, or green sputum
- sore throat
- Mild to moderate fever
- Chest discomfort or pressure
- Shortness of breath (if severe)
Elderly people or those with chronic illnesses may have milder symptoms but be more seriously ill.
Principles of treatment for bronchitis
Treatment depends on whether the condition is acute or chronic, as well as its cause and severity.
1. Treatment of acute bronchitis
(1) Symptomatic treatment
- Antipyretic and analgesic drugs : such as Paracetamol, which relieve fever and chest discomfort.
-
Cough medicine :
- Cough suppressants (such as Dextromethorphan) are used for dry coughs.
- Expectorants (such as Guaifenesin) help with expectoration.
- Inhaled bronchodilators , such as salbutamol, are suitable for patients with significant shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Drink more water : It dilutes phlegm and makes it easier to cough up.
- Avoid irritants : smoke, cold air, chemical odors.
(2) Use of antibiotics
- Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics .
- If a bacterial infection is suspected (high fever, purulent sputum, elevated white blood cell count), your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, such as:
- Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin)
- Macrolides (Clarithromycin, Azithromycin)
⚠️ Editor's reminder:
Doctors in Hong Kong decide whether to use antibiotics based on clinical judgment, as abuse can lead to drug resistance.
2. Treatment of chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD and requires long-term management.
- Quitting smoking : the most important means of control.
- Long-acting bronchodilators (LABA, LAMA): such as Formoterol, Tiotropium.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) : Effective for patients with recurrent acute exacerbations.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation program : This includes breathing training, exercise, and nutritional guidance.
- Vaccination : Flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine to reduce the chance of infection.
3. Home care and self-management
- Keep the indoor air circulating and avoid excessive cold or dryness.
- Use a humidifier (keep it clean to avoid mold growth).
- Get enough rest to allow your immune system to recover.
- Moderate exercise can improve lung function in chronic patients.
- Regular follow-up to monitor lung function and medication effectiveness.
4. When should I seek medical attention immediately?
- High fever ≥ 38.5°C for several days
- Increased shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- coughing up blood
- worsening chest pain
- Symptoms that have not improved for more than 3 weeks
- Have a chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, asthma, COPD) and the condition is getting worse
In Hong Kong, private clinics and the Hospital Authority's general outpatient clinics can handle mild cases; severe cases or suspected pneumonia should be treated in the emergency room.
Medical resources in Hong Kong
- Public hospitals and general outpatient clinics : diagnosis, drug treatment, and referral to specialists.
- Private clinics and specialists : rapid examination and treatment.
- Community pharmacies : Cough suppressants, expectorants and inhalers (except those requiring a prescription) are available.
- Department of Health epidemic prevention information : Providing seasonal respiratory disease warnings.
Editor's Tips for Preventing Bronchitis
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Get a flu shot every year
- Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask
- Reduce outdoor activities on days with poor air quality
- A balanced diet and moderate exercise can enhance immunity
💡Editor 's Summary <br>While bronchitis is common, it can be a sign of a serious respiratory illness for the elderly, smokers, and those with chronic illnesses. Acute bronchitis often resolves on its own, but rest and observation are still necessary. Chronic bronchitis requires long-term management and adherence to a doctor's prescribed treatment plan. In Hong Kong, with comprehensive public and private healthcare resources, seeking medical attention early and adhering to treatment guidelines can effectively control the condition and minimize complications.
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
