Introduction
Bronchitis in cats is a condition that develops when the bronchial airways, known as bronchi, become irritated and inflamed. There are a number of conditions that can cause bronchitis in cats, and the main symptom of feline bronchitis is coughing.
Causes of Bronchitis in Cats
Cats most often develop bronchitis due to allergies, viruses, bacteria, or parasites. When these irritants impair or irritate the bronchi tissues, these tissues can become damaged and inflamed. Coughing occurs as a result of the body’s attempt to expel the irritant from the tissues. However the symptoms of coughing just produces more irritation to the bronchial airways, and the condition gradually becomes worse if the cause of the bronchitis is not addressed.
Treating Bronchitis in Cats
When a cat develops bronchitis, the only way to resolve the condition is to find out the cause. Any number of diagnostic tools can be used to try to isolate the cause of the cough, and in some cases it can take a great deal of time. Until the cause of the bronchitis is discovered, there are a number of therapies that can help to soothe the bronchial tissues and reduce the symptoms.
Outlook for Cats with Bronchitis
Bronchitis can become a life threatening condition if it is left unresolved. Continual coughing can lead to permanent damage in the tissues of the airways. Excessive coughing may also interfere with a cat’s ability to eat properly. Bronchitis can reduce a cat’s immune system function over time, and as result secondary infections can develop.
Successful treatments for bronchitis are possible if the cause of the bronchitis is directly addressed. Cats that suffer from this condition as a result of an impaired immune system, (for example cats with feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus), will need to receive periodic supportive therapies to reduce the symptoms.