What is a characteristic of respiratory diseases like bronchitis?

A chronic cough is a prominent characteristic of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis. This condition typically involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can lead to persistent coughing as the body attempts to clear mucus and irritants from the airways. This coughing can be either dry or productive, meaning it may involve the expulsion of mucus.

In bronchitis, this symptom can be particularly pronounced and serves as a key indicator of the disease's presence. In contrast, increased lung capacity, normal breathing rate, and improved lung function are generally not associated with bronchitis. In fact, individuals with bronchitis often experience decreased lung function and may have abnormal breathing patterns due to the obstruction and irritation in their airways. Hence, the presence of a chronic cough is a significant hallmark of bronchitis and related respiratory diseases.