Common Causes Of Bronchitis

Dust And Other Irritants

In some cases, bronchitis is triggered by dust and other irritants, such as pollen and mold. Dust can invade the body through inhalation and attack the bronchial tubes. The dust particles are trapped by the cilia of the mucous membrane, lining the respiratory tract, and released from the body when the person sneezes or coughs. These actions cause the bronchial smooth muscles to contract.

If dust levels are higher than the bronchial tubes can handle, the dust will remain in the respiratory tract, resulting in inflammation. Coughing is caused by irritation of the cough receptors which are located throughout various parts of the respiratory system. The receptors send signals via the vagus nerve to the cough center in the brain.