Chronic bronchitis causes .

Symptoms of bronchitis are usually caused by a pathogen causing inflammation of either (or both) the bronchial tubes or the bronchi that connect the your lungs to your windpipe. The pathogens can be either a virus or bacteria from a concurrent respiratory infection, as is usually the case with acute bronchitis, or they may be from smoking or other chemical pollutants, which are more likely to cause chronic bronchitis. The pathogens irritate tiny hairs (called cilia) that line the passageways and usually eliminate pollutants, and when the cilia become overwhelmed (by an out of control respiratory infection or heavy smoking) they stop being able to function properly.

The clogging then causes mucus to build up, creating the signature bronchitis cough, wet with lots of mucus. Other bronchitis symptoms include general ache and fatigue, wheezing or shortness of breath, chest pain, and a low grade fever. Chronic bronchitis occurs when your symptoms last for at least three months of the year for at least two consecutive years.