Chronic bronchitis causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Tobacco smoking is the most common cause.[1] Pneumoconiosis and long-term fume inhalation are other causes.[1] Allergies can also cause mucus hypersecretion, thus leading to symptoms similar to asthma or bronchitis.[citation needed]
Causes
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition. People have a cough that produces excessive mucus. To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, you must have a cough with mucus most days of the month for at least 3 months. Chronic bronchitis is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short. (Emphysema is another type of COPD.) The following things can make bronchitis worse:
- Air pollution
- Allergies
- Certain occupations (such as coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling)
- Infections