LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Bronchitis: Coughing
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Although some studies show that antibiotic therapy is beneficial in patients with exacerbations of chronic bronchitis,27,28 other studies are less convincing.29,30 Antibiotic effectiveness trials that do not differentiate between acute bronchitis and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis add to the confusion. Misconceptions about the role of bacteria in acute bronchitis and the widespread practice of treating this illness with antibiotics may stem from studies that included patients with chronic bronchitis who were mislabeled as having acute bronchitis.31
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Although found in all age groups, acute bronchitis is most frequently diagnosed in children younger than 5 years. In 1994, more than 11 of every 100 children younger than 5 years were diagnosed with bronchitis. This compared with only 4 of every 100 individuals in all other age groups.
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Chronic bronchitis may result from prolonged exposure to bronchial irritants. Cigarette smoking, environmental toxins, and inhaled allergens can all cause chronic irritation of the bronchi. The cells lining the bronchi produce excess mucus in response to the chronic irritation; this excess mucus production can lead to a chronic, productive cough.
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Sometimes the cough from acute bronchitis lasts for several weeks. The cough can even drag on for months. Usually this happens because the bronchial tubes are taking a long time to heal. However, the cough may ... be a sign of other problems.
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Cigarette smoking is indisputably the predominant cause of chronic bronchitis. Recent estimates suggest that cigarette smoking accounts for 85-90% of chronic bronchitis and COPD. Recent studies indicate that smoking pipes, cigars, and marijuana causes similar damage.
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Chronic bronchitis is usually associated with smoking. Certain occupations that involve irritating dust or fumes are at higher risk. The American Lung Association lists coal miners, grain handlers, metal molders, and other workers exposed to dust as being at a higher risk for chronic bronchitis.
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