Bronchitis Overview

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

A thin coating and lining of the airways can become irritated and swollen.

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

Adults and children can get bronchitis. The symptoms are similar for both.

Infants usually get bronchiolitis, which involves the small airways and causes symptoms similar to asthma.

Asthmatic Bronchitis occurs when asthma and bronchitis in parallel. Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that leads to tightening of muscles around the airways, and edema, both of which cause the airways to narrow. Together, inflammation of the lining of the airways and mucus that can cause severe wheezing and shortness of breath.