Bronchitis is when the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs get inflamed and swollen. These tubes are called the bronchial tubes. People with bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis– it is a temporary type of inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It is a short term illness caused due to cough, flu or viral infection. Acute bronchitis is also known as chest cold and it affects people of all age groups, especially seen in children. We often see acute bronchitis in every change of season.
Chronic bronchitis– it is a long term illness caused due to lung illnesses and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cigarette smoking can lead to chronic bronchitis. It is mostly seen in adults. Genetics, pollution and people staying in high altitude develop chronic bronchitis.
One difference between bronchitis and common cough is that the bronchial cough persists long after you begin to feel better.