The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Bronchitis with Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy

Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy, Consultant of Cardiology and Pulmonology, is a specialist in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases. He explains that bronchitis is a common condition that affects people of all ages and is classified into two main types: acute and chronic. Each has different causes, symptoms, and treatments that patients should be aware of.

What Is Acute Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is a temporary inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually occurring after a cold or viral infection.
Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy notes that it typically lasts no more than 10 days, although the cough may persist for weeks.

Common symptoms include:

• Cough with mucus

• Shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort

• Mild fever

• General fatigue

What Is Chronic Bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It is diagnosed when the patient has a productive cough for at least three months per year for two consecutive years.

According to Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy, this type is usually linked to smoking or prolonged exposure to air pollutants and is considered a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Common symptoms include:

• Daily chronic cough

• Constant mucus production

• Gradual shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Frequent flare-ups

Key Differences Between the Two Types

Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy highlights the importance of early detection in chronic cases to slow the progression of lung function decline, especially in smokers or those exposed to environmental hazards.

How Is It Treated?

• Acute Bronchitis:
  Usually treated with rest, fluids, cough medications, and bronchodilators. Antibiotics are only used when necessary.

• Chronic Bronchitis:
  Requires a long-term treatment plan including smoking cessation, inhaled bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and possibly oxygen therapy.

Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy emphasizes the need for regular medical follow-up to prevent serious complications like respiratory failure.

Final Advice from Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy

Don’t ignore chronic cough or repeated shortness of breath. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve your daily life.
Dr. Mohamed El-Gohamy stresses that prevention starts with quitting smoking, avoiding pollution, and seeking medical advice early when respiratory symptoms appear.