Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchus usually caused by an infection. This often includes the trachea and the bronchioles . Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the bronchioles . Generally a mild condition that eventually heals totally, however, bronchitis can also be chronic. In this condition there is diffused inflammation of the air passages in the lungs, leading to decreased uptake of oxygen by the lungs and increased mucus production. Two main types of bronchitis exist :

• Infectious Bronchitis
  Caused by viruses and bacteria (e.g. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia ). Most frequent in Winter. Smokers and those with chronic sinusitis , bronchochietasis, allergies and children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids may experience recurrent infections.

• Irritative Bronchitis
  Caused by dust, pollen , strong acid fumes, ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, tobacco smoke.

Treatment includes aspirin for adults, acetaminophen for children and antibiotics for those whose bronchitis is due to a bacterial infection.