Bronchitis - Definition



Bronchitis (pronounced brong-KIE-tis) is an inflammation of the air passages between the nose and the lungs. It affects the trachea (pronounced TRAY-kee-uh), or windpipe, and the bronchi. The bronchi (pronounced BRON-kee) are air tubes through which air flows into and out of the lungs.

Bronchitis can be either acute (of brief duration) or chronic (longlasting). Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It usually heals fairly quickly without complications. Chronic bronchitis is a sign of more serious lung disease. It can often be slowed, but it cannot be cured.

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