His parents rushed him to the hospital, where they learned that his left bronchial tube had collapsed because of a birth defect. (scientificamerican.com)
Spira hopes ultimately to develop a less invasive test using throat epithelial cells, which are easier to access than bronchial tube cells. (sciencemag.org)
Bronchitis is an infection of the inner mucous lining of the branch - like passageways (called bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs. (health.com)