According to the Mayo Clinic, bronchitis is defined as an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Bronchitis can cause sore throat, fever, chest pain and congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing and a cough which can produce a yellowish or green mucus. Bronchitis can be acute, meaning it lasts anywhere from a few days to weeks. According to the Merck Manual, symptoms that last 90 days or longer, or keep coming back, classify as chronic bronchitis, which is a longer and recurring form. If symptoms last for longer than two weeks, or a cough is accompanied with bloody mucus, a medical professional should be notified.
Infection
According to the National Institutes of Health, acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. The virus, which can be the same one that causes colds, can attach the lining of the bronchial tubes and cause an infection. Bacteria may also be the cause of the bronchitis and infection, often followed by a respiratory infection, according to the Merck Manual. The body fights the infection and an inflammatory response occurs, causing more swelling and mucus production in the tubes. This can cause the cough and other symptoms associated with bronchitis, which may last longer than the actual infection.
Irritants
According to the Merck Manual, acute bronchitis can also be caused from irritants in the air such as dust from minerals and vegetables, pollutants and smoke are the cause. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that repeated exposure to these irritants causes damage to the bronchial tubes and increases the possibility of developing bronchitis. Overexposure to fumes such as ammonia, strong acids, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and chlorine can also irritate the bronchial tubes. People who smoke develop acute bronchitis more often than those who don't, and the acute bronchitis may turn into chronic bronchitis.
Gastric Reflux
Those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), whereby highly acidic stomach contents come back up the esophagus, can develop acute bronchitis if the acid contents travel down the bronchial tubes, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If diagnosed with GERD, a medication can be given to help keep stomach contents down to avoid any bronchitis from developing. People with GERD who have previously had acute bronchitis, should avoid lying down after eating.
