Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) in the lungs. This condition causes excessive mucus to be secreted into the tubes and narrowing or closing of the bronchial tubes. People suffering from bronchitis may experience wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Persistent cough with thick, discolored mucus is the most common symptom. When the inflammation of the airways resolves within two or three weeks, the condition is termed as acute bronchitis. If, however, the cough with mucus persists for more than three months to at least two years, the condition is known as chronic bronchitis. The mucus may be yellow, green, or white in color. What Causes Chronic Bronchitis? The causes of chronic bronchitis include: Smoking is the one of the chief causes of chronic bronchitis. Smog, industrial pollutants, and solvents may cause chronic bronchitis as well. Acute bronchitis due to viral and bacterial infections may result in chronic bronchitis, if the person suffers from repeated bouts of infection. Moreover, underlying diseases such as asthma, congestive heart failure, cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiency, genetics, and bronchiectasis are the other causes. What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Bronchitis? The hallmark symptom of chronic bronchitis is the persistent heavy cough that brings up mucus from the lungs.

Bronchitis is a term used to define the condition of inflammation of the bronchial tubes. As a result of the inflammation, mucus is discharged in high quantities in the tubes. This causes the tubes to swell up and therefore close off. The condition can be categorized as a chronic bronchitis cough. A cough appears on a day-to-day basis, forms sputum, which lasts for a very long time going into months. Difference between acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis The major difference between acute and chronic bronchitis is that the former is not very serious in nature. Acute bronchitis occurs due to cold or other respiratory infection and improves gradually. It recedes in a matter of a few days without leaving behind any effect. Chronic Bronchitis, on the other hand, takes place gradually with time. It results in continuous episodes of bronchitis which may last for months or years. In the case of Chronic Bronchitis, the continuous inflammation in the tube results in the accumulation of mucus in a very high quantity. This accumulation ends up blocking the air path, causing breathing difficulties. Symptoms Of Chronic bronchitis The major symptom of chronic bronchitis is the chronic bronchitis cough. It includes very heavy, continuous and painful coughing.