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Pathology => Human Diseases => Bronchitis
Bronchitis
Bronchitis, acute or chronic inflammation of any part of the bronchi and bronchial tubes. The bronchi are large delicate tubes in the lungs that are attached to the trachea and carry air to smaller tubes in the lungs. Acute bronchitis is characterized by fever, chest pain, severe coughing, and often the secretion of sputum (mucous material coughed up from the respiratory tract).
The disease may be caused by the inhalation of irritant vapors or dust or develop from an upper respiratory infection. Acute bronchitis affects the branches of the bronchi and may develop into bronchial or lobular pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis, a serious and incurable disorder, may result from repeated attacks of acute bronchitis. Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis and also has been found to cause acute bronchitis.
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