"How to Identify and Treat Acute Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Home Remedies"
*Introduction - Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tree’s mucosal lining, characterized by cough and sputum production. It can present acutely or chronically, affecting millions worldwide and imposing significant morbidity and healthcare costs. This article explores bronchitis in depth: its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management strategies, complications, and preventive measures. Epidemiology • Global burden: Acute bronchitis is among the top 10 reasons for outpatient visits in many countries; chronic bronchitis affects approximately 2–12% of adults globally. • Age distribution: Acute bronchitis peaks in children and older adults; chronic bronchitis is most common between ages 45–65. • Gender differences: Historically more common in men, but as smoking patterns have equalized, prevalence has become similar between sexes. • Seasonality: Acute bronchitis often rises in winter months, correlating with viral respiratory infections. P...