Bronchitis Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi. It may develop suddenly, following a head cold (acute bronchitis), or it may persist or return regularly for many years, causing progressive degeneration of the bronchi and lungs (chronic bronchitis). Certain people are more susceptible than others; Men are more of a target to bronchitis than women, out numbering them 10 to 1 -- the reasons are unclear. Of course smokers are 50 times more likely to get chronic bronchitis …showed first 75 words of 840 total…

…showed last 75 words of 840 total…patient to cough up sputum. The patient should stop smoking immediately, although this will not reverse the chronic bronchitis, it will arrest it. Chronic bronchitis should try to avoid environments where there are irritants that can bring on attacks. <b>Prevention</b> Bronchitis is prevented by keeping good health habits and by giving instant treatment to milder respiratory infections. Living in a clean environment and not smoking or not inhaling cigarette smoke is strongly recommended.