What condition is characterized by a productive cough and is exacerbated by smoking?

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a productive cough that persists for an extended period, typically defined as occurring for at least three months in two consecutive years. This condition is often exacerbated by smoking, which leads to inflammation and irritation of the airways, causing increased mucus production. As a result, individuals with chronic bronchitis may experience frequent coughing and difficulty breathing due to narrowed air passages. This ongoing irritation is particularly common in smokers, as the harmful substances in cigarette smoke contribute significantly to the development and worsening of the symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis.

In contrast, pneumonia refers to an infection of the lungs that can also cause a productive cough, but it is usually accompanied by fever, chills, and other systemic symptoms. Asthma is a condition that involves airway inflammation and hyperreactivity but typically produces a dry, wheezing cough rather than a productive one. Pneumothorax involves air in the pleural space, leading to sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, but does not commonly manifest as a productive cough.