At the end of each respiratory bronchiole is a tiny and delicate pocket calledalveoli.
This is where oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried to and from the lungs bycapillaries.
The cough is usually productive, meaning it brings upmucus.
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Mucus production is the most common symptom of chronic bronchitis.
Viral infections, such as the cold or flu, are usually the cause of acute bronchitis.
Occasionally, acute bronchitis is due to a bacterial infection.
The risk of chronic bronchitis increases with age, and it is more common in women than in men.
The term “smoker’s cough” is an actual condition.
Acute bronchitis usually goes away on its own without needing treatment.
Even when bacteria are the cause of bronchitis, there is little evidence supporting the use of antibiotics.
Chronic bronchitis can’t be cured, but it can be managed with the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dotan Y, So JY, Kim V.Chronic Bronchitis: Where Are We Now?Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Acute bronchitis (chest cold).
American Lung Association.Chronic bronchitis.
University of Utah Health.Acute & chronic bronchitis.
