Your bronchial tubes are responsible for delivering air to your lungs. When these tubes become inflamed, mucus can build up. The coughing and shortness of breath this causes is known as bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually occurs due to a viral chest infection. Several types of viruses can cause it. Approximately 5 percent of adults report having acute bronchitis annually, and acute bronchitis is the ninth most common reason why adults visit their doctors.
It’s important to distinguish acute bronchitis from chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually lasts less than 10 days. However, the coughing can continue for several weeks while the inflammation is clearing. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, can last for several weeks and usually comes back. This is more common in people with asthma or emphysema.