In medical terms, what does bronchitis refer to?

Bronchitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the bronchi, which are the large air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. This condition can be acute, usually following a viral infection, or chronic, often due to long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or pollution. When the bronchi become inflamed, they can produce excess mucus, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing bronchitis and differentiating it from other respiratory conditions, which might affect different structures within the respiratory system, such as the lungs, throat, or alveoli.