Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Lung Disorders | Bronchitis
Bronchitis:
Bronchitis occurs when an irritant or infection causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of the bronchial tubes. These tubes, the bronchi, are the major air passages that lead from the trachea into the lungs.
When cells lining the airways are irritated beyond a certain point, the tiny cilia (hairs) that normally trap and eliminate foreign matter stop working properly. The build-up of irritants leads to the production of excess mucus, which clogs air passages further and produces the characteristic heavy cough of bronchitis.
Bronchitis occurs in two forms—acute and chronic. While both types of bronchitis produce a persistent cough, most cases of acute bronchitis clear up in about two weeks; chronic bronchitis may persist for a number of years.
Between January and March, the number of doctor visits for bronchitis peaks at about 10 million to 12 million cases a year. Proper treatment can speed recovery and prevent complications, especially in those who smoke.
Here you will find the latest articles on bronchitis.
- Living with Lung Disorders Alert: Before You Take Antibiotics for Bronchitis, Consider This
- Living with Lung Disorders Alert: Rethinking Cough Medications for the Common Cold
Symptoms and Remedies:
Chronic Bronchitis
You might also be interested in COPD
More on Bronchitis:
Lung Disorders Glossary
The information in the Lung Disorders area is based on our monthly newsletter, Johns Hopkins Health After 50, and our annual Johns Hopkins White Paper: Lung Disorders.
Back to Top | Back to Lung Disorders
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Lung Disorders | Bronchitis
