Bronchitis in African Adults: 10 Must Know Facts

By Dr. Michelle Buama Abebrese, MD. DLHA volunteer and Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by: A. Odutola, M.B, BS, PhD, FRCSEd.

An elderly African man in apparent chest disconfort with three family members sitting with him and two holding on his chest. AI generated image from ChatGPT.

 

Highlights

• Bronchitis is a common chest condition that affects people of all ages in African countries but it is poorly understood.

• Bronchitis is an inflammation, i.e., irritation and swelling of the inner lining of a part of the passage way that conducts air in and out of the lungs. It is often accompanied by a dry or wet cough and coughing out of thick mucousy fluid which rarely may also be blood stained.

• The common causes of bronchitis in Africans include indoor and outdoor environmental pollutions, seasonal dust exposure and viral infections

• Common symptoms of bronchitis include; cough, mild to moderate fever and chest pain, mucous production and shortness of breath. These symptoms are also common in other chest disorders.

• The diagnosis and treatment of bronchitis should be carried out by trained healthcare at the earliest recognition of the symptoms of the condition.

• Protect your breathing and lung health; stop smoking, stay away from environmentally polluted areas, wear a face and nose mask in polluted areas and see your healthcare provider early if you have a cough that would not go away soon.

 

Introduction

Bronchitis is a yet often misunderstood respiratory condition that affects people of all ages.

In many African countries, exposure to smoke from cooking fires, dust, air pollution, and untreated respiratory infections increases the risk of developing bronchitis, especially among children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems.

In this blog, you’ll learn about the common causes of bronchitis in your environment and how to recognize its signs and symptoms. Understanding bronchitis helps you to detect it early, seek timely treatment, and protect yourself and your family from complications like pneumonia or chronic lung disease.

As bronchitis is a condition that affects a portion of the respiratory system (structures that support your breathing), it is important to have a basic knowledge about this system and its functions.

 

What is the Respiratory System?

Fig 1: Basic anatomy of the lower respiratory tract. Click on image to enlarge.

 

The respiratory system is grouped into two parts - upper and lower. 

The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, throat (pharynx), voice vox (larynx) and windpipe (trachea) in the neck. The upper respiratory tract functions to conduct air in and out of the chest. In doing so, it warms and filters air as it's taken in. 

The lower respiratory tract, includes the windpipe (trachea) in the chest, and the lungs, which contain bronchi, smaller bronchioles and alveolar tissue (see fig. 1). 

The lower respiratory tract also helps to filter the air and more importantly facilitate the exchange of gases between the air that is taken in and the blood circulating in the lungs.

When you breathe in, air travels through this pathway down into the lungs where oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is expelled.

The bronchi is a larger air passage in the lungs that branch off from the trachea. These tubes carry air in and out of the lungs.

So, let’s dive into learning the facts about bronchitis.

 

10 Must Know Facts about Bronchitis for African Adults

 

1. What Exactly Is Bronchitis?

Table 1: showing the epidemiological characteristics of chronic bronchitis in Africa. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes—these are the passages that transport air in and out of the lungs. When inflamed, these airways produce excess mucus, which results in continuous coughing, difficulty breathing, and a heavy sensation in the chest.

While many people dismiss it as a “common cough,” bronchitis—especially when it persists—may indicate a deeper health issue. This is particularly relevant in African settings where exposure to air pollutants and indoor smoke is widespread.

Bronchitis poses a significant but often overlooked health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with wide variations in its in prevalence across countries (see Table 1) 

Studies have shown that clinician-diagnosed chronic bronchitis affects 2.9% of adults in Kenya, 7.4% in Sudan, and up to 25.9% in Ethiopia, while in Nigeria, the prevalence in population- based studies like BOLD study is reported to be less than 1%. This may be likely due to underdiagnosis or limited symptom reporting. [1. 2]

In Ghana, research is limited, but national respiratory health surveys suggest rising trends in chronic respiratory symptoms in urban areas due to air pollution and smoking. 

Chronic bronchitis is more common in adults aged 40 and above, with prevalence increasing from 2.2% at age 40-49 to 4.3% in those over 70. [3]

Men (3.6%) are slightly more affected than women (2.6%).  [3]

Occupational risks are substantial, particularly among informal workers exposed to dust, fumes, and biomass smoke, which is a common scenario in farming, charcoal burning, and open-fire cooking [3, 4].

In Ghana and Nigeria, these exposures are intensified by rapid urbanization and poor air quality. 

Socioeconomic conditions further compound the issue: in East African clinics, only 46% of patients with chronic bronchitis reported stable employment, while many also faced food insecurity, HIV, or TB co-infection  [1]. Despite these realities, chronic bronchitis remains under prioritised in national public health programmes across West Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, diagnosis, and air quality reforms.

 

2. Forms of Bronchitis: Acute vs. Chronic

Bronchitis occurs in two primary forms (see fig. 2):

Fig. 2: A comparison between acute vs chronic bronchitis. Ai generated image from ChatGPT. Click on image to enlarge.

 

A. Acute Bronchitis
This short-term condition often develops after viral infections like the flu or a cold. Symptoms generally resolve within three weeks and are more frequently observed in children and during colder seasons.

B. Chronic Bronchitis
This long-standing condition is defined by a cough lasting at least three months a year over two consecutive years. It mainly affects adults, especially those exposed to smoke or polluted air, and is part of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) group.

 

3. Common Triggers of Bronchitis in African Environments

Fig. 3: Cartoon illustration of the common triggers of bronchitis. Ai generated image from ChatGPT. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Several risk factors specific to African communities can contribute to bronchitis. These include: (see fig. 3)

• High levels of outdoor pollution in urban centres like Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
• Indoor air pollution from cooking over open fires or with kerosene in poorly ventilated homes.
• Tobacco use and passive smoke exposure.
• Frequent viral infections due to overcrowded living conditions and limited healthcare access.
• Seasonal dust exposure, particularly during the Harmattan period.

 

4. Signs and Symptoms to Recognize

Fig. 4: Showing some signs and symptoms of bronchitis. Ai generated image from ChatGPT. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Whether acute or chronic, bronchitis typically presents with the following: (see fig. 4)

• A persistent cough—either dry or productive (with mucus)
• A feeling of tightness or discomfort in the chest
• Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion
• Mild fever and occasional chills, especially in acute cases
• Wheezing or a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing

 

5. Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention

Fig. 5: Some warning signs of bronchitis. Ai generated image from ChatGPT. Click on image to enlarge.

 

You should consult a healthcare provider if (see fig. 5):

• Your cough lingers for more than three weeks
• You experience a persistent or high-grade fever
• You cough up blood or discoloured mucus
• Breathing becomes laboured or painful
• You have recurring episodes, especially if previously diagnosed with chronic bronchitis

 

6. How Doctors Diagnose Bronchitis

Table 2: Details some comparative clinical features of bronchitis and other chest conditions that may mimic it. Click on image to enlarge

 

To diagnose bronchitis, your doctor will:

• Ask about your complaints, take a detailed history, and check various parts of your body, including your chest, for any abnormalities. This check will likely include listening to your lungs using a stethoscope (a rubber-tubed hearing piece with a membrane device at the end)
• Measure oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter
• Request a chest X-ray or CT Scan to rule out pneumonia, tuberculosis, or other chronic chest conditions (see Table 2)
• Conduct a sputum test to determine if bacterial infection is involved 

 

7. Treatment

Fig. 6: Image showing part of a stethoscope and several types of medications used in the treatment of bronchitis with a caption saying, Treatment. Ai generated image from ChatGPT.

 

The treatment of bronchitis (fig. 6) as with any cause of chronic cough includes: 

Medical Management:

• Rest and increased fluid intake to make coughed mucus more watery and easy to spit out
• Pain and fever relief using paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Cough suppressants (for dry, sleep-disrupting coughs only)
• Antibiotics only if a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed by laboratory test
• Bronchodilators or inhalers (drugs that open up the respiratory tract to improve breathing)  if wheezing occurs

Home Remedies (Use wisely):

• Warm drinks like ginger tea, lemon water, or pepper soup may relieve symptoms
• Inhalation of steam can help clear mucus (take care to avoid burns)
• Honey can soothe the throat (not recommended for infants under one year and for known diabetics)

 Caution: Natural remedies may relieve symptoms but do not replace professional diagnosis and care. Always talk with your healthcare providers before starting any natural remedies.

 

8. Preventing Bronchitis: Protect Your Airways

Fig. 7: One effective way to protect oneself from bronchitis. Ai generated image from ChatGPT.

 

You can lower your risk with these steps:

• Stop smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
• Use clean cook stoves and ensure kitchens are well-ventilated
• Wear masks when exposed to dust, smoke, or pollution (see fig 7)
• Keep up to date with flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines
• Wash hands regularly to prevent infections

 

9. Myths and Misinformation

Table 3: Showing Myths and realities about bronchitis. Click on image to enlarge.

 

There are many myths and misinformation out there about bronchitis. (See Table 3 for some examples). It is important that you know the facts in order to stay safe, healthy and seek medical help early if you notice any concerning symptoms.

 

10. Final Thoughts: Don’t Dismiss That Cough

Fig. 8: Cartoon illustration showing a black male coughing into his hand with caption reading: “Always seek medical attention for that cough that doesn’t go away”.

 

A cough that doesn’t go away could be more than just a minor nuisance—it might be bronchitis or other chronic chest conditions. Timely recognition and appropriate care can prevent complications. Take care of your respiratory health by avoiding known triggers and seeking medical advice when symptoms persist (fig. 8). Healthy lungs are essential—take every cough seriously.

 

 References: 

1. Mayo Clinic. Bronchitis - Symptoms and Causes [Internet]. 2024 July 31. [Cited August 15, 2025]. Available from here. 

2. Obaseki DO, Erhabor GE, Gnatiuc L, Adewole OO, Buist SA, Burney PG. Chronic Airflow Obstruction in a Black African Population: Results of BOLD Study, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2015 Oct 9;13(1):42–9. Available from here.

3. MedlinePlus. Chronic Bronchitis [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. National Library of Medicine; Last updated 2024 Jan 26.  [Cited August 15, 2025] Available from here.

4. World Health Organization. (WHO). Air pollution [Internet, n.d.]. Cited August 15, 2025. Available from here.

 5. CDC. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [Internet, n.d.].  Cited August 15, 2025. Available from here.

 

Related:

What Africans Need To Know About Cough

How to Investigate the Causes of Chronic Cough in Adult Africans

A Guide to the Treatment of Chronic Cough in African Adults

 

 

Published: August 25, 2025
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