Bronchitis is the inflammation of the most important airways to your lungs. Severe, persistent cough accompanied with yellowish or greenish mucus, shortness of breath and chest tightness are the most noticeable results of bronchitis. There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.

Acute bronchitis is a more common condition. It arises from a cold or other respiratory infection. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious condition as the lining of the lungs constantly become inflamed or irritated. It will keep coming back and will not heal completely.

The tell-tale signs and symptoms of bronchitis are:

* Fatigue
* Abnormal sounds like non-stop crackling or bubbling in the lungs that a doctor can hear through a stethoscope
* Cough producing mucus
* Pain in the chest
* Mild fever
* Wheezing
* Difficulty in breathing

Acute bronchitis is easier to treat. The doctor will most likely simply recommend that you get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and prescribe an over-the counter cough medicine. For chronic bronchitis, treatment will require taking away the substance that causes irritation to the bronchial tubes. For some people it will mean quitting smoking or just avoiding secondhand smoke or exposure to damaging chemicals.