Signs and symptoms
... A cough that brings up yellowish-gray or green mucus (sputum) is one of the main signs of bronchitis. Mucus itself isn''t abnormal — your airways produce at least an ounce of normal secretions e...

Causes
... The same viruses that cause colds often cause acute bronchitis. But you can also develop noninfectious bronchitis from exposure to your own or someone else''s cigarette smoke and even from pollutants ...

Risk factors
... People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at greatest risk of both acute and chronic bronchitis. Children whose parents or siblings smoke are especially susceptible to bronchitis, as well as to a...

When to seek medical advice
... Most cases of bronchitis clear on their own in a few days, especially if you rest, drink plenty of fluids, and keep the air in your home warm and moist. If your cough is severe or is preventing you fr...

Screening and diagnosis
... To diagnose bronchitis, your doctor will likely listen to your chest with a stethoscope. You may also be asked to have a chest X-ray and perhaps a sputum culture — a test that checks for the pre...