Bronchitis risk factors: Difference between revisions
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'''Bronchitis''' is an [[inflammation]] of the [[bronchus|bronchi]] (medium-size airways) in the [[lung]]s. ''[[Acute bronchitis]]'' is usually caused by [[virus]]es or [[bacteria]] and may present as cough with sputum that last several days or weeks (10 days). Other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sore throat can also be found. '''Chronic bronchitis''' is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent [[cough]] that produces [[sputum]] (phlegm) and mucus, for at least three months in two consecutive years. In late stages, the disease may present with blue discoloration of body ([[cyanosis]]) and difficulty in breathing ([[dyspnea]]). | '''Bronchitis''' is an [[inflammation]] of the [[bronchus|bronchi]] (medium-size airways) in the [[lung]]s. ''[[Acute bronchitis]]'' is usually caused by [[virus]]es or [[bacteria]] and may present as cough with sputum that last several days or weeks (10 days). Other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sore throat can also be found. '''Chronic bronchitis''' is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent [[cough]] that produces [[sputum]] (phlegm) and mucus, for at least three months in two consecutive years. In late stages, the disease may present with blue discoloration of body ([[cyanosis]]) and difficulty in breathing ([[dyspnea]]). | ||
== | ==Risk factors== | ||
People at risk for [[acute bronchitis]] include: | People at risk for [[acute bronchitis]] include: | ||
* | * Individuals with lower immunity, i.e. elderly, infants, and young children | ||
*Persons with heart or [[lung disease]] | * Persons with heart or [[lung disease]] | ||
*Smokers | * Smokers | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 21:25, 28 February 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Bronchitis Main page |
Overview
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (medium-size airways) in the lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and may present as cough with sputum that last several days or weeks (10 days). Other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sore throat can also be found. Chronic bronchitis is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm) and mucus, for at least three months in two consecutive years. In late stages, the disease may present with blue discoloration of body (cyanosis) and difficulty in breathing (dyspnea).
Risk factors
People at risk for acute bronchitis include:
- Individuals with lower immunity, i.e. elderly, infants, and young children
- Persons with heart or lung disease
- Smokers
References