What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis (bron-KI-tis) is a condition in which the
bronchial tubes, the tubes that carry air to your lungs, become inflamed. (For
more information on the bronchial tubes and the airways, see the Diseases and
Conditions Index
How
the Lungs Work article.)
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.
Overview
There are two main types of bronchitis: acute (short
term) and chronic (ongoing).
Acute Bronchitis
Infections or other factors that irritate the lungs
cause acute bronchitis. The same viruses that cause colds and the flu often
cause acute bronchitis. These viruses are spread through the air when people
cough. They also are spread through physical contact (for example, on hands
that have not been washed). Sometimes bacteria cause acute bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis lasts from a few days to 10 days.
However, the cough that occurs may last for several weeks after the infection
is gone.
Several factors increase the risk for acute
bronchitis. Examples include tobacco smoke (including secondhand smoke), air
pollution, dust, and fumes. Avoiding these lung irritants as much as possible
can help lower your risk for acute bronchitis.
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away within a few
days. If you think you have acute bronchitis, see your doctor. He or she will
want to rule out other, more serious health conditions that need medical
care.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing, serious condition.
It occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes is constantly irritated and
inflamed.
Bronchitis is "chronic" if you have a cough with
mucus on most days for at least 3 months a year and 2 years in a row (without
another apparent cause). Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis.
Viruses or bacteria can easily infect the irritated
bronchial tubes. When this happens, the condition worsens and lasts longer. As
a result, people who have chronic bronchitis also have periods when symptoms
get much worse than usual.
Chronic bronchitis is a serious, long-term medical
condition. Early diagnosis and treatment, combined with quitting cigarette
smoking and avoiding secondhand cigarette smoke, can help people live better
with this condition. The chance of complete recovery is low for people who have
severe chronic bronchitis.
September 2008
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