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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. It occurs when the trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) within the lungs become inflamed because of infection or other causes. Bronchitis is one of the disease condition (together with asthma) that defines COPD or chronic obstruct pulmonary disease. They are also known as blue bloaters since lack of oxygen can cause cyanosis in patients with bronchitis.

Emphysema is an abnormal, irreversible enlargement of air spaces distal to terminal bronchioles due to destruction of alveolar walls, resulting in decreased elastic recoil properties of lungs.