Bronchitis, << brong KY tihs, >> is an inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. The inflammation causes these passages–called bronchial tubes–to increase their production of mucus, which is then coughed up. Bronchitis may be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). Chronic bronchitis is one of the two main forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The other is emphysema (see Emphysema).
Symptoms of acute bronchitis include fever, chest pain, and a cough that brings up mucus. Physicians consider the condition chronic if such coughing lasts for several months in each of two or more successive years. Chronic bronchitis may produce shortness of breath and, in severe cases, heart failure.
Acute bronchitis can be caused by a viral infection, such as a cold, or a bacterial infection. It also can result from breathing irritating fumes, such as those of tobacco smoke or polluted air. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Either type of bronchitis may lead to asthma or pneumonia.
Bronchitis may be treated with drugs that expand the bronchial tubes, or with medications that loosen mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. Moist air produced by a humidifier also helps loosen mucus. Antibiotics are prescribed if a bacterial infection is present. Most cases of acute bronchitis clear up within weeks. However, chronic bronchitis cannot be cured.
