Bronchitis is a very common respiratory condition and it can be occur in anyone, regardless of sex and age. However, the people who are exposed the most to developing forms of bronchitis are smokers, people with other respiratory illnesses or people with weak immunes system. Smokers usually develop chronic bronchitis, a form of disease that needs ongoing treatment. The main factors that are considered to contribute to the occurrence of bronchitis are: smoking, prolonged exposure to irritants (dust, pollen, chemicals, pollutants), immunologic deficiencies, genetic predisposition to developing respiratory conditions (in the case of chronic bronchitis) and infection with viruses and bacteria.
Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis symptoms can be very intense, but they usually ameliorate in a few days. If acute bronchitis is caused by infection with viruses, the illness usually clears on itself, without medical treatment. However, if acute bronchitis symptoms appear to intensify, it is very important to seek the advice of your doctor.
Chronic bronchitis symptoms are usually of moderate intensity, but they are persistent and have a recidivating...