Both emphysema and chronic bronchitis can cause breathing problems, so it can be hard to tell them apart. Learn the key differences between the two.

As chronic bronchitis progresses, symptoms can vary in severity and frequency. For example, a cough may disappear temporarily, only to be followed by a period of more intense coughing.

Bronchitis is an infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs. It can be acute or chronic. Symptoms include a cough and wheezing. Smoking is a major risk factor. Find out more.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis-- Chronic bronchitis doesn't appear suddenly. It usually begins with a simple cough. Over time, symptoms worsen until the person has difficulty breathing.

The other main form of bronchitis is called chronic bronchitis. It's usually caused by long-term exposure to environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, allergens, air pollution ...

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis has a variety of contributing factors. “These include age and family history,” notes Sharma. “However, the leading cause is smoking or exposure to ...

Understanding the different types of bronchitis can also be helpful in understanding when the illness is and isn't contagious. Chronic bronchitis caused by environmental irritants, for instance ...

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis. If your symptoms last longer than 3 months, you may have a chronic case. Your symptoms may improve, then worsen, from time to time. But they never really go away.

Bronchitis, on the other hand, is something the ALA is only as concerned with when its chronic. “On average, the symptoms of acute bronchitis last only a couple of weeks,” the website said.

Chronic bronchitis is less likely to be mistaken for pneumonia than acute bronchitis. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. The cause can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis has a variety of contributing factors. “These include age and family history,” notes Sharma. “However, the leading cause is smoking or exposure to ...