Bronchitis

Pictures & Images

See all Pictures & Images

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection, initially affecting your nose, sinuses, and throat and then spreading to the large bronchial airway passages. Sometimes, you may get what is called a secondary bacterial infection. This means that bacteria are infecting the airways, in addition to the virus. The already inflamed area is one in which bacteria like to grow.

You are at risk for acute bronchitis if you:

• Are at either end of the age spectrum; in other words, elderly, infants, and young children.
• Smoke
• Have underlying heart or lung disease.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition of excessive bronchial mucus with a productive cough. This ongoing condition, from inflammation but not infection, blocks air flow in and out of the lungs. It causes serious damage and breathing difficulties over time.

Chronic bronchitis, like emphysema, is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As these lung conditions progress over time, you become increasingly short of breath, have difficulty walking or exerting yourself physically, and may need oxygen on a regular basis.

Cigarette smoke is the chief cause of chronic bronchitis, including long-term exposure to second-hand smoke. Factors that make it worse include air pollution, certain occupations (like coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling), infection, and allergies.

The severity of the disease often relates to how much and for how long you have smoked (or been exposed to smoke).