Quick Links
For Patients
For Physicians
- Refer a patient to a specialist
- Order labs for patients
- Order radiology for patients
- Order At-Home Services
- Get your practice listed
For Companies
© Copyright 2024 American TelePhysicians. All rights reserved.
If you get a lingering cough with or without sputum after a common cold or upper respiratory infection, you might be suffering from bronchitis. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages extending from the trachea (windpipe) into the lungs. It is a very common condition in winters, especially after the common cold. Culprits may be infectious agents like viruses, bacteria, or non-infectious agents like smoke, dust, or chemicals. It presents as a cough with or without mucous that lasts for less than three weeks (acute bronchitis). If your cough persists for more than three weeks, it is now known as chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is defined as a cough with sputum that has occurred for three months a year for two consecutive years. Smoking is the most important risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis.