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Acute bronchitis: inflammation of the breathing tubes within the lungs (bronchial tubes or bronchi) as a result of an infection (viral or bacterial) or a chemical irritant (such as smoke or >gastric acid reflux). The inflammation causes swelling of the lining of these breathing tubes, narrowing the tubes and promoting secretion of inflammatory fluid. Most commonly, acute bronchitis is due to a viral infection. Common viruses that cause bronchitis include the rhinovirus, >respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the >influenza virus. Symptoms are a >cough that begins abruptly and can include a >runny nose, nasal stuffiness, and >sore throat. As opposed to >acute bronchitis, >chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition with a daily cough with sputum production for at least three months, two years in a row. >Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for the development of both acute and chronic bronchitis. See also >chronic bronchitis.