Chronic Bronchitis
What is it?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the airways that connect the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs. Chronic means it happens frequently, over a long period of time.
Who gets it?
According to the American Lung Association, around 14 million Americans have chronic bronchitis. Between 80% and 90% of these people are smokers. Because symptoms progress slowly, most people diagnosed with chronic bronchitis are middle-aged and older.
What causes it?
Chronic bronchitis can be caused by cigarette smoking, air pollution, working for many years in a dusty environment, and frequent bacterial infections of the upper respiratory system. When the airways become irritated by smoke or other pollutants in the air, they swell and produce a large amount of mucus. The swelling and irritation can scar the walls of the bronchial airways and cause the smooth muscles in the airways to spasm, which stimulates coughing. The mucus clogs the airways and makes it difficult to breathe.
What are the symptoms?
Chronic bronchitis usually begins as a mild cough, sometimes called a smoker’s cough. The cough may be deeper in the morning and cause you to bring up a yellowish mucus called phlegm. You may wheeze and feel short of breath. With time, the symptoms can become so severe that you have difficulty breathing and must restrict your normal activities. Chronic bronchitis can lead to emphysema, which is a life-threatening lung disease, as well as an incurable lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Symptoms of chronic bronchitis occur most often during the winter.
How is it diagnosed?
To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, you must have symptoms that last for at least three months in one year and occur for at least two years in a row. Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a complete physical examination. Tests that are commonly used to diagnose chronic bronchitis include a sputum analysis, which checks the phlegm for bacteria and other conditions; a chest x-ray, to make sure you haven’t developed pneumonia; and a test of pulmonary function, to determine how much the airways are obstructed. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be caused by low levels of a protein called alpha1-antitrypsin, so your doctor may order a blood test to check for this condition, especially if you have chronic bronchitis at a young age.
What is the treatment?
The most important treatment for chronic bronchitis is to remove the irritation that is causing the condition. That means avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke and polluted air. You may also need to use a drug called a
bronchodilator, which relaxes the bronchial muscles so the airways are widened and it’s easier to breathe. You can take this drug orally, or inhale it through a device called a
nebulizer. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if your chronic bronchitis is accompanied by a bacterial infection. Steroids called corticosteroids also can help relax the airways so you can breathe easier. However, these types of drugs usually aren’t prescribed for long-term use because of their side effects. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent thick mucus, as well as taking a drug to help reduce secretions. In severe cases, you may need to breathe oxygen from a portable cylinder to keep the oxygen in your blood at normal levels. Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you, depending upon your symptoms. He or she will also recommend an exercise program to keep your lungs and body healthy. Regular physical exams are recommended to monitor your condition.
Self-care tips
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but you can reduce its symptoms and help prevent more serious respiratory diseases if you make certain lifestyle changes. Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke; and avoid spending prolonged periods of time in damp, cold areas or areas high in air pollution. If you have chronic bronchitis, ask your doctor about flu and pneumonia shots because these illnesses can become life-threatening to someone with existing respiratory problems.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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