Bronchitis is a condition that develops when the airways in the lungs, called bronchial tubes, become inflamed and cause coughing, often with mucus production. Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral respiratory infection and improves by itself. Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing up thickened mucus, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, and chest tightness. Treatments usually includes soothing remedies to help with coughing, which may last weeks. Antibiotics are not usually recommended.