Bronchitis is a disorder that appears when the airways of the lungs get irritated. A person coughs because of irritation, swelling and mucus production that occurs when the airways become inflamed.

Acute bronchitis can be caused by:

• Viruses such as the influenza virus that causes the flu, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the adenovirus, the rhinovirus that causes the common cold, and COVID-19.
• Acute bronchitis can occasionally be brought on by bacterial infection.

Chronic bronchitis may result from:

• Using marijuana or cigarettes.
• Ongoing inflammation of the tissue in the airways.
• Prolonged exposure to the environment’s toxins, dust, and air pollution.
• Genetic influences.
• Frequently occurring acute bronchitis bouts.

Bronchitis symptoms might include:

• Coughing up mucous or not
• Mucus or sputum output – clear, yellow, white, or green.
• Chest congestion, a feeling of being overstuffed or choked in the chest.
• Exhaling with a whistling or wheezing sound.
• Breathlessness or difficulty breathing.
• A runny or congested nose.
• General tiredness.
• Chest ache.

Bronchitis complications may include:

• Subsequent infections such as pneumonia, sinus infections, middle ear infections, etc.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Acute bronchitis flare-ups in chronic bronchitis patients.
• Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood.
• Respiratory failure.
• Pneumothorax.
• Emphysema.