Lung and Airway Disorders Chapter 35 Bronchitis Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi usually caused by an infection. The condition is usually mild and eventually heals completely. But bronchitis may be serious in chronically ill people with heart or lung disease and in the elderly.
Infectious bronchitis occurs most often in winter.
It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, and especially the bacteria-like organisms Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia. Smokers and people who have chronic lung or airway diseases that interfere with clearing inhaled particles from the bronchi may have repeated attacks. Recurring infections may result from chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, allergies, and, in children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids. The start of a cough usually signals the beginning of bronchitis. The cough is dry at first and may remain so, but a person often coughs up small amounts of white or yellow sputum after a day or two.