Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. Symptoms include:
* Coughing up extra mucus
* Wheezing
* Difficulty breathing
More specifically, it may refer to:
* Acute bronchitis, caused by viruses or bacteria and lasting several days or weeks
* Chronic bronchitis, a persistent, productive cough lasting at least three months in two consecutive years.
Chronic bronchitis can be caused by cigarette smoke. Acute bronchitis is often a symptom of the common cold.
In bronchitis, the membranes lining the larger air passages (Bronchi) become inflamed and an excessive amount of mucus is produced. The person with bronchitis develops a bad cough to get rid of the mucus.
Airflow into and out of your lungs is partly blocked because of the swelling and extra mucus in your bronchi.
