Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs, that causes the cilia of the bronchial epithelial cells to stop functioning.

Like many disorders, bronchitis can be acute (short-term), or chronic (long-lasting). Chronic bronchitis is a problem commonly seen in smokers, whereas acute bronchitis is almost always caused by viral infection, as elucidated by recent studies.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis include:

• Discolored mucus (white, yellow, or green) is not indicative of a bacterial infection; it is caused by peroxidase released by neutrophils
• Bloody (pink, red or rust-streaked) mucus (should be evaluated by a doctor)
• Shortness of breath, worsened by activity
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Chest discomfort
• Malaise

Acute bronchitis

• usually lasts about 7 to 10 days.
• rarely responds to antibiotics due to its primarily viral etiology and should be treated symptomatically.
• complications are more likely with comorbidities such as smoking, asthma, and COPD.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a chronic obstructive respiratory disease, where the airways are obstructed by plugs of mucus.

External links

Section Online medical references

• Acute bronchitis Merck Manual of Diagnosis & Therapy
• Bronchitis The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
• Lungs OnLine - Bronchitis
• [1] FamilyDoctor.org (American Academy of Family Physicians)