What is Bronchitis
Bronchitis occurs when the lining of small tubes that connect the windpipe with the lungs gets inflamed. When these tubes, the bronchi, are inflamed, less air is able to flow to and from the lungs and a heavy mucus is coughed up. Some people have bronchitis with a bad cold, but their symptoms go away when the cold is over. This is called acute bronchitis. Persistent, or chronic, bronchitis does not go away. The airways become narrower, making it difficult to breathe.
To learn more:
- Bronchitis
(MayoClinic.com)
- Is it just a cold? Or is it bronchitis? Let the Mayo Clinic help you understand the difference.
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/basics/definition/
CON-20014956 - Chronic Bronchitis: What is chronic bronchitis?
(MUSChealth)
- The Online Health Library A to Z found at the MUSC site gives a clear definition of chronic bronchitis.
- http://muschealth.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/3,82429
- What is Bronchitis?
(TeensHealth)
- The Nemours Foundation’s Website for teens gives an excellent explanation of what bronchitis is, what happens to your lungs, and how and why it should be treated.
- http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/common/bronchitis.html
- What is Chronic Bronchitis?
(COPD International)
- This online support group offers a description of chronic bronchitis in language that is easy to understand.
- http://www.copd-international.com/bronchitis.htm
next » What causes bronchitis?
Written by: Lillian Trettin, Ph.D.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey G. Schultze, M.D.
Last Modified: Tuesday November 15, 2005 2:58 PM