- Acute Bronchitis - occurs after a bout of flue or colds; aggravated by smoking; can lead to asthmatic bronchitis in some individuals
- Chronic Bronchitis - cough that produces thick mucus for at least three months; prolonged cough that is not caused by other conditons such as tuberculosis; shortness of breath and weezing may be present; main cause is heavy long-term cigarette smoking; which damages the bronchial tubes and causes them to produce excess mucus; frequent in 50% of patients with a history of smoking 40 to 60 packs per year; other major causes include occupational exposure to dust, gas, paints, or fumes