The authors analysed history of "occupational bronchitis" term establishment, presented various points of view on defining occupational bronchial obstruction diseases, their classification and connections with other diseases. Evaluating pathogenetic features of occupational bronchitis, the authors emphasized studies of disordered "proteolysis-antiproteolysis" system role, xenobiotics biotransformation and free-radical processes. The authors pointed promising role of molecular genetic studies for better and more individual system of medical care for workers.