Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi. Bronchial tubes are the air passages that extend from the windpipe into the lungs. Some of the most common symptoms of this ailment are cough, wheezing, fever, and soreness in the chest. It's contagious disease which can spread by direct or indirect contact.

Bronchitis may occur due to a variety of reasons like the inhalation of chemical pollutants, or dust and smoking or it can be caused by a virus, bacteria as well. When the cells of the bronchial-lining tissue are irritated beyond a certain point, the tiny hairs within them which normally trap and eliminate pollutants, stop functioning. Consequently, the air passages become clogged by debris and irritation increases. In response, a heavy secretion of mucus develops, which causes the characteristic cough of bronchitis.

There are two main types of bronchitis: Acute and Chronic.

Acute bronchitis may follow or accompany the flu, or it may begin without having had an infection. Acute bronchitis usually lasts about 10 days. Smoking or inhalations of damaging fumes are more likely to cause acute bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is defined as an excessive mucus secretion in the bronchi and a chronic or recurrent mucus-producing cough that lasts three or more months and recurs year after year. People inflicted with chronic bronchitis are more susceptible to bacterial infections of the airway and lungs, like pneumonia.