In simple words: Bronchitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the airways in the lungs, that is not specified as being short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).

Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic. This includes bronchitis NOS, bronchitis with tracheitis NOS, catarrhal bronchitis, and tracheobronchitis NOS.

Example 1: A patient presents with a cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. After examination and review of symptoms, the physician diagnoses bronchitis, but it's unclear whether the condition is acute or chronic at this point. J40 is used until further assessment can determine the duration., A patient with a history of recurrent bronchitis experiences another episode. In the absence of complete medical records confirming the chronicity, J40 is applied until a definitive determination can be made., A patient presents with inflamed airways and mucus production. The physician diagnoses bronchitis, but further investigation is needed to classify the specific type. J40 is used as a placeholder until further tests confirm whether it's acute, chronic, or another specified type.

Symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sputum production. Physical examination findings such as wheezing or rhonchi. Imaging studies, if conducted. Pulmonary function tests, if performed. Any other diagnostic tests or procedures.