Is Bronchitis Serious? Bronchitis is a quite common respiratory illness affecting millions of people in the U.S. every year and is often what we consider to be a ‘chest cold’. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bronchitis so you can help limit its spread to others and be sure to get enough rest so you can heal. What Is Bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of ...