Bronchitis

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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation and irritation of the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent cough that often produces mucus (sputum), fever, mild wheezing, and chest pain.

Bronchitis is usually caused by infection from a virus (less commonly with bacteria or a fungus). It can also develop after exposure to chemicals or air pollution, including tobacco smoke.

There are two types of bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis develops suddenly. It generally lasts less than 2 to 3 weeks. Most healthy people who develop bronchitis get better without any complications.
Chronic bronchitis recurs and becomes long-term (chronic), especially in people who smoke. A cough that produces too much sputum and is present most days during a 3-month period for at least 2 years in a row suggests chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Author	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
Last Updated	July 23, 2008

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Last updated:	July 23, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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