Bronchitis - Definition and Overview

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

• Acute bronchitis (http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section6/chapter69/69a.jsp) Merck Manual of Diagnosis & Therapy
• Bronchitis (http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual_home2/sec04/ch041/ch041a.jsp) The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual_home2/sec04/ch045/ch045a.jsp) The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mm_geriatrics/sec10/ch78.jsp) The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
• Lungs OnLine - Bronchitis (http://www.lungsonline.com/bronchitis.html)