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Bronchitis - Definition and Overview |
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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs, that causes the cilia of the bronchial epithelial cells to stop functioning.
Like many disorders, bronchitis can be acute (short-term), or chronic (long-lasting). Chronic bronchitis is a problem commonly seen in smokers, whereas acute bronchitis is usually a secondary bacterial infection following a primary viral infection.
Symptoms
The symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis include:
- Cough that produces mucus; a yellow-green color usually indicates a bacterial infection
- Bloody (pink, red or rust-streaked) mucus (should be evaluated by a doctor)
- Shortness of breath, worsened by activity
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Chest discomfort
- Malaise
Acute bronchitis
- usually lasts about 10 to 11 days.
- mostly comes after a cold or infection
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a chronic obstructive respiratory disease, where the airways are obstructed by plugs of mucus.
External links
Section Online medical references
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