Bronchitis risk factors
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). 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. The people with increased risk for developing acute bronchitis includes elderly, infants and patients with underlying heart or lung diseases. Chronic bronchitis are commonly found in smokers.
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