Complications

Although a single episode of bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Older adults, infants, smokers and people with chronic respiratory disorders or heart problems are at greatest risk of this complication.

Take repeated bouts of bronchitis seriously. They may signal chronic bronchitis, asthma or other lung disorders. Also, if you have chronic bronchitis and you continue to smoke you're at increased risk of lung cancer over and above the normal risk that smokers face.