Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tree. Chronic bronchitis, its worst form, is often caused by smoking.

When air goes into th lungs, tiny hairs called cilia remove unwanted substances like dust and micro-organisms.The cilia sweep the material back upwards. Coughing then gets rid of this material.However, this can contribute towards inflammation of th bronchi. or bronchitis

This can be a short term or a long-term problem. Short term, or acute bronchitis can be caused by various things, including toxic gases, fumes or dusts, but is it often brought on by a virus. Symptoms can be similar to a common cold. Treatment, including steam inhalation and chemotherapy, can usually stop the symptoms in a few days.

Much more serious than this is chronic bronchitis. This is the form that is often caused by tobacco smoking, although non-smokers can also develop it. Chronic bronchitis is when the bronchial tree suffers from long-term inflammation, scarring and damage. Many cells can be damaged and the cilia totally lost. This means that the body's self-defence mechanism against invading material is lost. The bronchi become narrow and rigid, and infection is likely. The patient usually develops a deep cough that will not go away.