What Is Chronic Bronchitis?

Causes Of Chronic Bronchitis

what is chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is one of two general categories of bronchitis. The other is acute bronchitis. This article is focused on the what chronic bronchitis is, causes of chronic bronchitis and treating chronic bronchitis.

As explained elsewhere on this website, bronchitis occurs when the lining of the passages that carry air to your lungs, known as bronchial tubes, become inflamed and irritated.

When you have chronic bronchitis, inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes does not go away. This inflammation is temporary for those who have acute bronchitis, which is usually triggered by a cold, influenza or some other kind of respiratory infection. It usually subsides in a few days with no permanent damage.

One of the most prominent signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis is a persistent cough. Most individuals who have it cough every day. But the generally accepted medical definition requires that you cough most days for at least three months out of each year for two consecutive years to be considered a chronic bronchitis sufferer.

Chronic bronchitis is often caused by smoking over a period of many years. However, long term exposure to environmental pollutants can also be a contributing factor.

Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Chronic bronchitis signs and symptoms As mentioned above, most individuals who have chronic bronchitis cough every day. This occurs because lining of the bronchial tubes eventually become scarred by irritation and inflammation. This scarring produces a form of mucus which is usually white or greenish-yellow in color. This mucus is often expelled during coughing.

Other typical signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include the following.

Coughing that is more intense when you get up in the morning or when the weather is damp.
Frequent or recurring infections of the respiratory system like colds or flu.
Shortness of breath and wheezing are typical for chronic bronchitis patients, especially noticeable after exertion of any kind.
Similarly, someone with chronic bronchitis is likely to become fatigued more easily than other people.
A slight fever and chills occur in some cases, along with a sore throat.
Many individuals with the disorder report occasional chest discomfort.

It's possible to have both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis at the same time. Symptoms typically worsen when this happens.

Treating chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis treatment focuses on making it easier for you to breathe, relieving your symptoms, preventing complications and slowing the progression of the disease.

If you smoke, it's important to stop. If you continue, you'll do further damage to your lungs and respiratory system. See our related article on smoking and lung cancer.

Your doctor may recommend bronchodilator medications. These may be taken orally or administered through aerosol sprays. They help keep your airways open.

Certain types of steroids can be helpful in treating chronic bronchitis. These are usually in aerosol form. Unfortunately, they sometimes case side effects when used over time. These side effects can include weakened bones, high blood pressure, diabetes and cataracts.

Antibiotics prescribed or recommended by your doctor may be appropriate in certain instances.

Depending on the severity of your disorder, you may need supplemental oxygen, which is available in various forms. Some are appropriate for home use.

Surgery to reduce the volume of your lungs may be an option. In this procedure, small wedges of damaged lung tissue are removed.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is important for chronic bronchitis patients. This includes such activities as education, nutrition counseling, information about how your lungs function, and learning special breathing techniques.

Exercise can be helpful when you have chronic bronchitis. Even though you'll be limited in how much you can do at first, dedicating yourself to physical activity, as directed by your doctor, will actually increase lung health and well being in the long run.

Finally, you should be sure to get a flu shot every year and a pneumonia shot every five to seven years to prevent respiratory infections that make chronic bronchitis symptoms worse.

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