An inflammation of the bronchi, the main air passages to the lungs. Causes and Risks Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection. The viral infection produces bronchial inflammation, which sets the stage for bronchitis and secondary bacterial infection.
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition of excessive bronchial mucus with a productive cough .
Chronic bronchitis is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . Factors that make it worse include air pollution, infection, familial factors, and allergies . The severity of the disease relates to the amount and duration of smoking. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema , and asthma as a group are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. The incidence is two out of 100 people.