Bronchiolitis in Adults: The Hidden Cause Behind Your Persistent Cough
Are You Experiencing Unexplained Breathing Difficulties That Just Will Not Go Away?
A few weeks back, I had an interesting case. He was a man of around 47 years and had a persistent cough. He tried many medicines, but his cough did not improve. He described his symptoms as “persistent cough, breathlessness after climbing stairs, wheezing sound when breathing deeply”.
After a careful examination, I confirmed that he had ‘Bronchiolitis”. His family felt that he had a lung infection. As a lung specialist practising in Nagpur with decades of experience, I explained the difference between bronchitis and bronchiolitis.
I am sure there will be many people who have symptoms similar to my patient but are not aware of their condition. This blog aims to raise awareness about bronchiolitis in adults and provide guidance on how to manage it.
This condition, while more commonly discussed in relation to infants, can significantly impact adult lives when left undiagnosed and untreated.
Let me share with you what I have learned through years of practice and thousands of patient consultations about this often-overlooked condition.
What Exactly is Bronchiolitis in Adults?
Think of your lungs as an intricate tree with countless branches. The largest branches are your bronchi, and the smallest, most delicate branches at the very end are called bronchioles.
Bronchiolitis occurs when these tiny airways become inflamed and swollen, much like how the smallest capillaries in your hand might swell after an injury.
Unlike bronchitis, which affects the larger airways, or asthma, which involves reversible airway constriction, bronchiolitis specifically targets these microscopic passages where the actual exchange of oxygen occurs.
This is why patients often describe feeling as though they cannot get enough air, even when they are not exerting themselves significantly.
In my experience treating patients, I have noticed that adults with bronchiolitis often initially mistake their condition for a persistent cold or seasonal allergies, particularly during our monsoon months when respiratory issues tend to flare up.
Recognising the Signs of Bronchiolitis in Adults
The symptoms of adult bronchiolitis can be pretty subtle initially, which is precisely why so many patients come to me after months of uncertainty. Let me describe what you might be noticing:
Primary Symptoms You Should Not Ignore:
- Persistent dry cough that seems to worsen at night or early morning
- Gradual shortness of breath, especially during activities you previously managed easily
- Subtle wheezing that might sound like a soft whistle when you breathe out
- Unexplained fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Chest tightness that feels different from muscle soreness
Secondary Symptoms Often Overlooked:
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Sleep disturbances due to breathing difficulties
- A feeling of not being able to take a satisfying deep breath
- Low-grade fever that comes and goes
What makes bronchiolitis particularly challenging to identify is that these symptoms often develop gradually.
Many of my patients tell me they initially attributed their symptoms to ageing, work stress, or changing weather patterns.
Understanding the Different Types of Adult Bronchiolitis
Based on my clinical experience, I have observed several distinct forms of bronchiolitis in adults:
- Infectious Bronchiolitis - Often following viral infections like RSV or influenza, this type can develop weeks after you thought you had recovered from a simple cold.
- Constrictive Bronchiolitis (Bronchiolitis Obliterans)- A more serious form involving permanent scarring of the airways, sometimes seen in patients with autoimmune conditions or after exposure to industrial chemicals.
- Respiratory Bronchiolitis - Commonly found in individuals with a smoking history, even those who quit years ago.
Adults with bronchiolitis often initially mistake their condition for a persistent cold or seasonal allergies, particularly during our monsoon months when respiratory issues tend to flare up.
Who is Most at Risk for Developing Adult Bronchiolitis?
Several groups of adults are more susceptible to developing bronchiolitis:
Post-Viral Complications
Many cases, I see develop following what seemed like a routine viral infection. Perhaps you had what you thought was a simple cold or flu, but weeks later, you are still experiencing breathing difficulties.
Occupational and Environmental Factors
I often treat patients whose bronchiolitis stems from:
- Prolonged exposure to dust or chemical irritants
- Work environments with poor air quality
- Extended contact with specific manufacturing processes
Underlying Health Conditions
Adults with autoimmune diseases, those taking certain medications for chronic conditions, or individuals with compromised immune systems face higher risks.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking history, even if you quit years ago, can predispose you to bronchiolitis. Additionally, frequent respiratory infections can create a cycle where bronchiolitis becomes more likely.
The Diagnostic Journey: How We Determine if You Have Bronchiolitis
When you visit my clinic, I take a comprehensive approach to ensure that we accurately identify the cause of your symptoms.
This is crucial because bronchiolitis can mimic several other respiratory conditions.
Initial Assessment
We begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, their progression, and your medical history.
I pay particular attention to when symptoms started, what seems to trigger them, and how they affect your daily life.
Physical Examination
Using a stethoscope, I listen carefully to your lung sounds, checking for the characteristic patterns associated with bronchiolitis.
The sounds are often quite different from those associated with asthma or bronchitis.
Advanced Diagnostic Tests
Depending on your specific case, we might recommend:
- Pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lungs are working
- High-resolution CT scans to visualise the small airways
- Blood tests to rule out other conditions and check for inflammatory markers
The diagnostic process is thorough because accurate identification is essential for effective treatment.
Treatment and Management: Your Path to Better Breathing
The encouraging news is that bronchiolitis in adults is entirely manageable with the right approach.
A combination of medical treatment and lifestyle modifications yields excellent results.
Medical Management
Treatment typically involves:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce airway swelling
- Bronchodilators, when appropriate, to help open airways
- Supportive therapies to manage symptoms while healing occurs
- Targeted treatments for the underlying causes, when identified
Lifestyle Modifications
I always emphasise to my patients that medicine works best when combined with:
- Environmental control: Reducing exposure to irritants and pollutants
- Breathing exercises: Specific techniques that I teach to improve lung function
- Gradual exercise programs: Tailored to your current capacity and designed to improve over time
- Nutritional support: Ensuring your body has the resources needed for healing
Follow-up Care
Regular monitoring is essential. We track your progress through follow-up visits and adjust treatments as needed.
Most patients see significant improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
While bronchiolitis is generally manageable, specific symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Please contact my clinic immediately or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Chest pain that worsens with breathing
- High fever (above 101°F) with breathing difficulties
- Bluish colouration around lips or fingernails
- Inability to speak complete sentences due to breathlessness
Early intervention often prevents complications and leads to faster recovery.
Prevention and Long-Term Outlook: What You Can Expect
The prognosis for adults with bronchiolitis is generally very favourable when the condition is appropriately diagnosed and treated. Most of my patients return to their normal activities within a few months of starting treatment.
Prevention Strategies:
- Prompt treatment of respiratory infections
- Workplace safety measures if you are exposed to irritants
- Regular health check-ups to monitor lung function
- Vaccination against preventable respiratory infections
- Air quality awareness, particularly during Nagpur's winter months, when pollution levels tend to rise
Long-term Management:
With proper care, many patients experience complete resolution of symptoms.
For individuals with chronic conditions, ongoing management enables a daily, active life.
Your Next Step: Personalised Care at Dr. Sameer Lote's Clinic in Nagpur
If you recognise yourself in these descriptions, please know that you do not have to continue struggling with unexplained respiratory symptoms. As a leading pulmonologist in Nagpur, I have dedicated my practice to helping adults breathe better and live fuller lives.
At my clinic in Nagpur, we recognise the distinct challenges that respiratory conditions can pose to your personal and professional life.
We take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly evaluate your condition, and develop treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
We work with you to not just treat your symptoms, but to address the underlying causes and prevent future complications.
Take the first step toward better breathing today. Contact Dr. Sameer Lote’s clinic in Nagpur to schedule your comprehensive pulmonary evaluation. Your journey to clearer breathing and better health begins with a single phone call.
Every day you wait is another day of unnecessary discomfort. You deserve to breathe easily and live fully. Let us help you achieve that goal.
