| Bronchitis is inflammation of the main air passages | | | | most important cause by far is smoking. |
| to the lungs. Bronchitis may be short-lived (acute) | | | | Exposure to some pollutants can also contribute |
| or chronic, meaning that it lasts a long time and | | | | to chronic bronchitis. A growing number of |
| often recurs. | | | | specialists believe that some kind of infection is a |
| A respiratory disorder characterized by excess | | | | necessary final trigger of chronic bronchitis. |
| mucus production and swelling of the bronchioles; | | | | About 90% of people with chronic bronchitis are |
| caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as | | | | smokers. Certain jobs such as coal mining, welding, |
| cigarette smoke and air pollutants. | | | | asbetos work and grain handling also increase the |
| Causes | | | | risk of developing bronchitis. |
| Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral | | | | People at risk for acute bronchitis include: |
| respiratory infection. At first, it affects your nose, | | | | • The elderly, infants, and young children |
| sinuses, and throat and then spreads to the lungs. | | | | • Persons with heart or lung disease |
| Sometimes, you may get another (secondary) | | | | • Smokers |
| bacterial infection in the airways.This means that | | | | Symptoms may include: |
| bacteria infect the airways, in addition to the virus. | | | | • Cough |
| There are two types of bronchitis: | | | | • Production of mucus (sputum), either |
| Acute bronchitis comes on rapidly, usually after a | | | | clear or white or yellowish-gray or green in color |
| virus has invaded the upper respiratory tract. | | | | • Shortness of breath, made worse by |
| Sometimes there is a bacterial infection as well. | | | | mild exertion |
| Viruses most likely to trigger acute bronchitis are | | | | • Wheezing |
| those responsible for influenza (the flu) or the | | | | • Fatigue |
| common cold. The viruses that cause measles | | | | • Slight fever and chills |
| and rubella (German measles) can also cause | | | | • Chest discomfort |
| acute bronchitis. In these cases, it is called acute | | | | Symptoms of chronic bronchitis |
| infectious bronchitis. The condition is called acute | | | | If you have chronic bronchitis, long-term |
| irritative bronchitis when it is caused by inhaling | | | | inflammation leads to scarring of the bronchial |
| dust, fumes, or smoke. | | | | tubes, producing excessive mucus. Over time, the |
| Chronic bronchitis is defined as a | | | | lining of the bronchial tubes thickens, and your |
| mucous-producing cough that lasts for at least | | | | airways eventually may become scarred. |
| three months in two consecutive years. The | | | | |