What condition is characterized by the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi?

Bronchitis is defined specifically as the inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the bronchi, which are the large air passages that branch off from the trachea and lead into the lungs. This condition can result from infections, often viral, but also can be triggered by irritants like smoke or pollution. The inflammation contributes to symptoms such as coughing, mucus production, and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia primarily involves the inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs and is not restricted to the bronchi, while asthma is characterized by airway constriction and increased mucus production but is not solely focused on inflammation of the mucous membranes. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses a group of disorders, including chronic bronchitis, and chronic airflow limitation, and is a progressive condition but not exclusively defined by the specific inflammation of bronchial mucous membranes alone. Thus, bronchitis directly matches the condition described in the question.