Key Points

• Bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes, the tubes that carry air to your lungs, become inflamed.
• People who have bronchitis often have a cough that brings up mucus. Mucus is a slimy substance made by the lining of the bronchial tubes. Bronchitis also may cause wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe), chest pain or discomfort, a low fever, and shortness of breath.
• There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Infections or other factors that irritate the lungs cause acute bronchitis. The condition lasts from a few days to 10 days. However, the cough that occurs may last for several weeks after the infection is gone. Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing, serious condition. It occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes is permanently irritated and inflamed.
• The same viruses that cause colds and the flu are the most common cause of acute bronchitis. Exposure to lung irritants also raises your risk for acute bronchitis. Examples of lung irritants include tobacco smoke, air pollution, dusts, vapors, and fumes.
• Smoking is the major cause of chronic bronchitis. Breathing in air pollution or dust or fumes from the environment or workplace also can lead to chronic bronchitis.
• Bronchitis is a very common condition. Millions of cases occur each year. Elderly people, infants, and young children are at higher risk for acute bronchitis than people in other age groups. Smoking and having an existing lung disease greatly increases your risk for bronchitis.
• Signs and symptoms of bronchitis are a cough that produces mucus, wheezing, low fever, and chest tightness or pain.
• Your doctor usually will diagnose bronchitis based on your signs and symptoms. Tests also may be used to diagnose bronchitis.
• Treatment for acute bronchitis may include rest, fluids, aspirin (for adults) or acetaminophen to treat fever, and avoiding lung irritants. You also may need medicines or treatments to open your airways, help clear away mucus, and help you stay as healthy as possible. Treatment for chronic bronchitis may include medicines or oxygen therapy. One of the best ways to treat acute and chronic bronchitis is to remove the source of irritation and damage to the lungs.
• You can't always prevent acute or chronic bronchitis. However, you can take steps to lower your risk for both types of the condition. The most important step is to quit smoking or not start smoking. Also, avoid other lung irritants, wash your hands often, and talk to your doctor about getting a yearly flu shot and a pneumonia vaccine.
• If you have chronic bronchitis you can take steps to control your symptoms. Don't smoke and avoid other lung irritants; wash your hands often and stay away from people who have colds or the flu. Follow a healthy diet and be as physically active as you can. Take all of your medicines as prescribed, and talk to your doctor about whether other treatments or therapies can help you.