Understanding Bronchitis: Acute vs. Chronic - Symptoms & Causes

There are two main forms of bronchitis:

1. Acute bronchitis:

- Acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu.

- It generally lasts less than three weeks and symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fatigue.

2. Chronic bronchitis:

- Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition of the bronchial tubes, often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

- It is usually caused by smoking or exposure to certain harmful substances, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes.

- Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include chronic cough with mucus production, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.