| Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (large | | | | symptoms are characterized by a persistent cough |
| airways) in the lungs, occurring when an infection | | | | that produces phlegm for at least three months a year |
| causes the thin mucous membrane linings of these | | | | for two consecutive years. |
| airways to become irritated and inflamed. The result is | | | | Acute bronchitis is recognized as a cough and the |
| the production of mucus in the lungs and a persistent | | | | production of phlegm which may be accompanied by |
| cough that may last several days or weeks. | | | | symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing, |
| The Two Types of Bronchitis | | | | as well as a mild fever in some cases. Acute |
| Chronic bronchitis: This is not necessarily caused by | | | | bronchitis commonly occurs after an upper respiratory |
| infection and is most often part of more serious lung | | | | infection such as a cold, influenza, or a sinus infection. |
| conditions. The most common chronic bronchitis | | | | |