Definition of Bronchitis

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Bronchitis: Inflammation and swelling of the bronchi. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.

Chronic bronchitis usually is defined clinically as a daily cough with production of sputum for 3 months, two years in a row. In chronic bronchitis, there is inflammation and swelling of the lining of the airways that lead to narrowing and obstruction of the airways. The inflammation stimulates production of mucous (sputum), which can cause further obstruction of the airways. Obstruction of the airways, especially with mucus, increases the likelihood of bacterial lung infections.