Acute Bronchitis and Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis classified into two categories:

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that generally follows an upper respiratory tract infection. As a result of this viral (most common) or bacterial infection, the airways become inflamed and irritated.

Characterized by the development of a cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus that is expectorated (coughed up) from the respiratory tract. Acute bronchitis often occurs during the course of an acute viral illness such as the common cold or influenza. Viruses cause about 90% of cases of acute bronchitis while bacteria account for less than 10%.

Viruses that cause acute bronchitis:

1. Rhinoviruses, 
2. Adenoviruses, 
3. and Influenza.

Bacteria that can cause acute bronchitis:

1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 
2. Chlamydia pneumoniae, 
3. and Bordetella pertussis,

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the main airways in the lungs that continues for a long period or keeps coming back. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause, followed by air pollution and occupational exposure to irritants, and cold air.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by the presence of a productive cough that lasts for 3 months or more per year for at least 2 years. Chronic bronchitis most often develops due to recurrent injury to the airways caused by inhaled irritants. About 90% of people with chronic bronchitis are smokers. Certain jobs such as coal mining, welding, asbestos work and grain handling also increase the risk of developing bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is twice more common in men than in women.

Main Article: Lung Disease-Bronchitis