This document provides information about bronchitis, including:
- Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by infection or irritation that makes breathing difficult.
- It commonly follows a cold or flu and causes a cough with mucus, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis lasts over 3 months.
- Risk factors include smoking, air pollution, dust, and repeated acute bronchitis. Symptoms include cough, mucus production, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Diagnosis involves physical exams, chest x-rays, and pulmonary function tests.
- Treatment focuses on rest, hydration, breathing treatments, and medications like antibiotics, bronchodilators, and