What is bronchitis (chest cold)?
Bronchitis occurs when the airways in your lungs are inflamed and make too much mucus. There are two basic types of bronchitis: • Acute bronchitis is more common and usually is caused by a viral infection. Acute bronchitis may also be called a chest cold. Episodes of acute bronchitis can be related to and made worse by smoking. This type of bronchitis is often described as being worse than a regular cold but not as bad as pneumonia. • Chronic bronchitis is a cough that persists for two to three months each year for at least two years. Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. What Are the Symptoms of Bronchitis? Symptoms of bronchitis include the following: • A cough that is frequent and produces mucus • A lack of energy • A wheezing sound when breathing, which may or may not be present • A fever, which may or may not be present Should I Call My Doctor About Bronchitis? See your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms: • A chest cold that lasts for more tha
