Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air into the lungs. It often causes cough, mucus, chest discomfort, and sometimes wheezing.
Acute vs chronic bronchitis
Acute bronchitis often follows a viral infection and may improve over time. Chronic bronchitis is a longer-term condition and is commonly linked with COPD.
When it matters
A cough that lasts, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, bloody mucus, or symptoms in someone with lung or heart disease should be discussed with a clinician.
Bronchitis can sound similar to pneumonia, but pneumonia affects the lung air sacs more directly and can be more serious.