Bronchitis Disease Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors.
                     BRONCHITIS 
DISEASE: 
SYMPTOMS, 
CAUSES AND 
RISK FACTORS
BRONCHITIS
Bronchitis is an 
inflammation of the lining of 
your bronchial tubes, which 
carry air to and from your 
lungs. 
People who have bronchitis 
often cough up thickened 
mucus, which can be 
discolored.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
ACUTE 
BRONCHITIS
Often developing from a 
cold or other respiratory 
infection, acute bronchitis is 
very common.
Acute bronchitis, also called 
a chest cold, usually 
improves within a week to 
10 days without lasting 
effects, although the cough 
may linger for weeks.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
CHRONIC 
BRONCHITIS
Chronic bronchitis, a more 
serious condition, is a 
constant irritation or 
inflammation of the lining 
of the bronchial tubes, 
often due to smoking.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
SYMPTOMS
• Cough
• Production of mucus 
(sputum), which can be 
clear, white, yellowish-
gray or green in color 
rarely, it may be 
streaked with blood
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
CAUSES
• Acute bronchitis is 
usually caused by 
viruses, typically the 
same viruses that cause 
colds and flu (influenza). 
• The most common cause 
of chronic bronchitis is 
cigarette smoking.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
RISK FACTORS
CIGARETTE 
SMOKE
 People who smoke or who 
live with a smoker are at 
higher risk of both acute 
bronchitis and chronic 
bronchitis.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
LOW RESISTANCE
• This may result from 
another acute illness, 
such as a cold, or from a 
chronic condition that 
compromises your 
immune system. 
• Older adults, infants and 
young children have 
greater vulnerability to 
infection.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
EXPOSURE TO 
IRRITANTS ON 
THE JOB
 Your risk of developing 
bronchitis is greater if 
you work around certain 
lung irritants, such as 
grains or textiles, or are 
exposed to chemical 
fumes.
GASTRIC REFLUX
 Repeated bouts of severe 
heartburn can irritate 
your throat and make you 
more prone to developing 
bronchitis.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
PREVENTION
• Avoid cigarette smoke
• Get vaccinated
• Wash your hands
• Wear a surgical mask
Source: www.mayoclinic.org