Bronchitis is simply the development of a simple cold or runny nose that is not treated at the time. The virus has therefore been present for some time and transforms into inflammation or irritation of the bronchi and respiratory tract. The bronchi are the tubes that carry air from the trachea to the lungs. Their function is essential because it is they which, thanks to the layer of cells secreting the mucus with which they are covered, capture microbes and particles from the inspired air to bring them up towards the throat, thus protecting the lungs. Bronchitis therefore often follows a poorly treated viral or bacterial infection, such as the flu or a cold.
This article was updated on 04/12/2023Can acute bronchitis progress?
In healthy people, acute bronchitis heals naturally within ten days. Purulent secretions (sputum) generally persist for around ten days.
This does not mean, however, that the disease is getting worse. The cough may persist longer: approximately two to three weeks.
In any case, if symptoms persist, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
How does bronchitis affect my body?
The virus responsible for bronchitis will destroy the cells of the superficial layer of the bronchial mucosa and cause a secretion of clear and then purulent mucus.
The edema will fill the lumen of the bronchioles (the small bronchi) by preventing the evacuation of viscous secretions.
The bronchial mucosa thus weakened will be made more vulnerable to bacterial attacks, which causes bacterial superinfections of acute bronchitis. Healing results in complete regeneration of the mucosa.
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Bibliography
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.