Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thick mucus that may be discolored. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute bronchitis is very common and often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is ongoing irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Both acute and chronic bronchitis should be treated by a pulmonologist.