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bronchitis
(brong-ki´tis)
inflammation of a bronchus or bronchi; there are both acute and chronic varieties. Symptoms usually include fever, coughing,
and expectoration. Chronic forms may involve secondary changes to lung tissue. It often involves the trachea as well as the bronchi (see tracheobronchitis). It is usually an infection but may also be caused by a physical or chemical irritant that is inhaled in air polluted by
dust, automobile exhaust, industrial fumes, or tobacco smoke. adj., bronchit´ic., adj.
acute bronchitis
a type having a short and more or less severe course; symptoms include fever and a productive cough. Repeated attacks may
indicate chronic bronchitis.
chronic bronchitis
a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which there is bronchial irritation with increased secretions and a productive cough for at least three months, two years
in a row; there is usually also pulmonary emphysema. The most common cause is long-term inhalation of irritant substances.
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