Bronchitis inflames the bronchial tubes causing coughing, runny nose and difficulty breathing.
Risk factors. Smoking is the main cause. There are two types of bronchitis, acute bronchitis (short-term) and chronic bronchitis (permanent and severe).
Infections or lung irritants provoke acute bronchitis. The same viruses that cause colds and flu are the most common causes of acute bronchitis. These viruses are spread through the air when people cough and through physical contact (dirty hands).
Chronic bronchitis is when the lining of the bronchial tubes is constantly irritated and inflamed, and the sufferer coughs up mucus and experiences shortness of breath.
Treatment. Quit smoking. Drugs that mitigate its effects, prescription.