Types of Bronchitis
There are two main types of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition that typically follows a cold or flu and usually lasts for a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition that persists for at least three months out of the year for two consecutive years.
It is important to note that chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe. COPD is often caused by smoking, but can also be caused by long-term exposure to air pollution or other irritants. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and it can lead to serious complications such as respiratory failure and heart problems.