People who are at risk for developing complications from acute bronchitis include those who:

• Have other medical conditions, especially certain lung (pulmonary) diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, or bronchiectasis. People who have other respiratory diseases are more likely to get acute bronchitis.
• Smoke or live with someone who smokes.
• Have had an injury to the chest wall, such as a rib fracture.
• Have an impaired immune system.

Acute bronchitis in these people is more serious and may be treated differently from acute bronchitis in otherwise healthy people.