Bronchitis is swelling of the liner of the big airways referred to as bronchi within the lungs. The swelling causes additional secretion than traditional to be created.
This can block the airflow through the lungs and may damage the lungs. Acute respiratory illness lasts two to four weeks and may be treated. Chronic bronchitis may be a long sickness of the lungs.
It is one disease in a group of lung diseases called COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The damage often gets worse over time and cannot be cured.