What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways that carry air flow from the trachea to the lungs. This means, that it is the inflammation of the mucus producing layers on he bronchi. These layers are responsible for the protection of the bronchi. Bronchitis can be divided into two categories namely acute and chronic bronchitis.
Acute and Chronic Bronchitis
Acute and chronic bronchitis are the two types of bronchitis that exist both common in a sense that it has to do with the respiratory system. These two types of bronchitis do not however have the same causes, symptoms and way of treatment. In acute bronchitis more mucus is excreted and in chronic bronchitis mucus is …show more content…
Acute bronchitis occurs during the course of an acute() viral illness, this includes the common cold or influenza( better known as flu).
Acute bronchitis is caused by a virus on the epithelium of the bronchi which may also cause inflammation to the body.
Acute bronchitis develops during the cause of a respiratory infection such as the common cold or influenza (flu). 90% of flu is caused by viruses and 10% is caused by bacteria.
Chronic bronchitis is a type of obstructive pulmonary disease, is characterized by the presence of an active cough that lasts for 3 months per year or more. Chronic bronchitis is caused due to continues injury to the airways for example the smoking of cigarettes, air pollution, etc.
Chronic bronchitis is caused by inflammation and swelling to the bronchial epithellium. This causes increased production of mucus which sometimes have a different colour due to the infected bronchi. The main trigger of chronic bronchitis is caused bey cigarette smoking. Other triggers include the inhalation of irritating fumes, dust and air pollution.
Symptoms and