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By Mayo Clinic staff
A single episode of bronchitis
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 getting pneumonia.
Repeated bronchitis
Take repeated bouts of bronchitis seriously. They may signal:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- Other lung disorders
Also, if you have chronic bronchitis and you continue to smoke, your risk of lung cancer increases beyond the normal risk that smokers face.
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