bronchitis

American  

[brong-kahy-tis] / brɒŋˈkaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining of the bronchial tubes, caused by respiratory infection or exposure to bronchial irritants, as cigarette smoke.

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bronchitis British  

/ brɒŋˈkaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by coughing, difficulty in breathing, etc, caused by infection or irritation of the respiratory tract

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bronchitis Scientific  

/ brŏng-kī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, often as a result of a cold or other viral infection. Smoking is also a common cause of chronic bronchitis.

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Other Word Forms

• bronchitic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of bronchitis

From New Latin, dating back to 1812; see origin at bronch-, -itis

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Compare meaning

How does bronchitis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• laryngitis vs. bronchitis

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bronchitis

Vela Gonzalez was hospitalized for acute bronchitis and sepsis from June 17 to June 22, a Homeland Security spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

The infant had bronchitis, he said, and was unresponsive for hours before being discharged.

From Salon ● Feb. 20, 2026

His son, Ali, said he worked as a security guard at the plant but left in 2020 with severe bronchitis.

From Barron's ● Feb. 19, 2026

Manilow, one of the biggest stars of the 70s and 80s, said it was "pure luck" that doctors found the spot early when he had an MRI following weeks of bronchitis.

From BBC ● Dec. 22, 2025

Many children died of tuberculosis, bronchitis, or diphtheria.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

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