Bronchitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes of the lungs i.e. airways. It can be acute or chronic, and is often caused by a viral respiratory infection and smoking.

Signs and symptoms of bronchitis include
- Mucus production, cough
- Fever, chills
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue, chest discomfort, headache, bodyache

Risk factors for developing bronchitis are
- smoking
- gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux)
- occupational exposure like asbestos, chemical fumes
- decreased immune function conditions, infants, old age

Bronchitis can be prevented by number of measures like
- Avoid lung irritants
- Avoid smoking
- Vaccines like pneumonia, flu vaccine
- Proper hand hygiene

Bronchitis if not treated properly can lead to various complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure. Other complications include
- severe dyspnea
- emphysema
- chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- pneumothorax, polycythemia
- death