Foods containing a high quotient of white sugar, white flour or certain cereals may result in accumulation of waste in the respiratory system, causing bronchitis. Avoid consuming a large amount of chocolates, condiments, sugar, tea, coffee, pickles and spicy foods if you are prone to cough and colds. 

Acid reflux disease or Gastro Esophageal Disorder is a condition when the acid in your stomach reverses into the food pipe. This may irritate your airways causing coughing and bronchitis.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction caused during spring time or windy season, either when the flowers bloom or when the fungi release their spores. This pollen or spore causes an instant allergic reaction leading to a running nose or rhinitis followed by acute bronchitis.

Cigarette smoking is the major reason for chronic bronchitis. Cigarettes contain a lot of toxins like tobacco, nicotine, benzene, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, tar and ambergris. All these chemicals irritate and inflame the bronchial lining, leading to secretion of mucous which clogs the windpipe. This is why smokers cough badly as they are unable to breathe. Smoking is the main cause for all chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or COPD.

Molds are fungi that survive on air and oxygen. Even dead mold acts as an immediate allergen leading to runny or stuffy noses, coughing, wheezing etc. Mold is often present in refrigerators, air conditioners, closets, mattresses and in all damp places not getting enough sunlight. Touching a mold causes instant irritation and inflammation of the sinuses. Stachybortrys chartarum or black mold, Cladosporium and Alternaria are the common molds.

Dust mites are microscopic organisms present as spores or even giant bugs in your carpets, rugs, curtains, blinds, blankets, bed linen and even house plants. Since these creatures feed on dust, they thrive in hidden areas which are not exposed to sunlight or cleaned often. These mites secrete a fluid that causes asthma and chronic bronchitis. Rugs and bed linen must be frequently washed, sun dried and changed once every three days. Windows must let in a lot of sunlight into the rooms to keep away these dust mites.

Smog is a mixture of chemical air pollutants that combine with sunlight to produce ozone. While atmospheric ozone is a safe barrier and armor against harmful ultraviolet rays, ground level ozone is perilous causing burning sensation in the eyes and respiratory illness. One out of every 10 residents in the states of New Jersey and California is said to be exposed to smog or ground level ozone.

Another common respiratory irritant and allergen is pollen. Pollen is the fine flowery dust that comes from flowers when they bloom. Pollen is abundant in springtime and can be carried over long distances by wind. This flowery dust when inhaled triggers an allergic reaction in some people, which starts with an inflammation of the breathing tract. People with asthma and allergy have to be very cautious about pollen in spring and windy seasons.

Another cause of bronchitis that most of us are exposed to is smoke. Smoke from automobiles, factories, and even kitchens or restaurants can be detrimental to lungs. Smoke is the main reason for industrial and constructional workers being easily susceptible to bronchitis and other lung diseases. So, steer clear of areas where you are exposed to smoke or at least cover your nostrils with protective gear in these environments.

Dust is omnipresent and detrimental. It attacks people with weak lungs. Dust can clog your airways whilst you are outside or even when you are at home. Dust clouds rising out of periodic spring cleaning or even minimal dusting may trigger bouts of coughing, which is nothing but the start of bronchitis. People with asthma and dust allergies are especially forewarned to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from dust. Dust simply penetrates your breathing tracts, clogging them, and inducing the secretion of mucus and phlegm.