Bronchitis

Bronchitis Slideshow Pictures Asthma Myths Quiz Slideshow Pictures Asthma Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Bronchitis Overview
• Bronchitis Causes
• Is Bronchitis Contagious?
• Bronchitis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Bronchitis Diagnosis
• Bronchitis Treatment
• Bronchitis Self-Care and Home Remedies
• Bronchitis Medical Treatment
• Bronchitis Follow-up
• Bronchitis Prevention
• Bronchitis Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Pictures of Bronchitis - Slideshow
• Asthma Myths Quiz - Slideshow
• Asthma - Slideshow
• Read more on Bronchitis from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Bronchitis - Diagnosis
• Viewer Comments: Bronchitis - Symptoms
• Viewer Comments: Bronchitis - Length Symptoms Lasted

Bronchitis Overview

Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. It occurs when the trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) within the lungs become inflamed because of infection or irritation from other causes.

• The thin mucous lining of these airways can become irritated and swollen.

• The cells that make up this lining may leak fluids in response to the inflammation.

• Coughing is a reflex that works to clear secretions from the lungs. Often the discomfort of a severe cough leads a person to seek medical treatment.

• Both adults and children can get bronchitis. Symptoms are similar for both.

• Infants usually get bronchiolitis, which involves the smaller airways and causes symptoms similar to asthma.
  
  
• Asthmatic bronchitis occurs when asthma and bronchitis coexist. Asthma is an inflammatory airway condition that leads to tightening of the muscles around the airways and swelling, both of which cause the airways to narrow. In combination with the inflammation of the inner lining of the airways and mucus production this can lead to severe wheezing and shortness of breath.

Bronchitis Causes

Bronchitis occurs most often during the cold and flu season, usually coupled with an upper respiratory infection.

• Several viruses cause bronchitis, including influenza A and B, commonly referred to as "the flu."

• A number of bacteria are also known to cause bronchitis, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes so-called "walking pneumonia."

• Bronchitis also can occur when a person inhales irritating fumes or dust. Chemical solvents and smoke, including tobacco smoke, have been linked to acute bronchitis.

• People at increased risk both of getting bronchitis and of having more severe symptoms include the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, smokers, and anyone with repeated exposure to lung irritants.