Bronchitis

Descriptions

Bronchitis is an infection or inflammation of the tubes that carry air to your lungs, called bronchial tubes. When these tubes get irritated, they produce extra mucus, which can make you cough a lot and feel congested.

There are two main types of bronchitis:

  1. Acute bronchitis: This is a short-term condition, often caused by a virus, like a cold or the flu. It usually lasts for a few weeks and often gets better on its own.
  2. Chronic bronchitis: This is a long-term condition that often occurs in people who smoke or have been exposed to irritants for a long time. It can cause ongoing coughing and difficulty breathing.

Common symptoms of bronchitis include:

  • Coughing (which may produce mucus)
  • Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling tired

Most people with acute bronchitis recover with rest and fluids, but chronic bronchitis may require more ongoing treatment.