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Written By: Admin | Updated : May 1, 2013 3:51 PM IST
It is a respiratory disease in which there is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi (airway passages of lungs). The membrane swells and grows thicker, thus narrowing the tiny airways. This causes breathlessness and cough spells. Sputum may also be produced.
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis usually follows a cold or viral infection and lasts a few days or weeks. There is cough, with or without the production of sputum. 90% of acute bronchitis is caused by viruses and the rest 10% by bacteria. If there is productive cough which lasts for three months or more in a year for at least two years it is chronic bronchitis. Recurrent inhalation of irritants from cigarette smoking, air pollutants, occupational exposure, etc. can injure the airways and cause chronic bronchitis.
