Chronic bronchitis is a chronic bronchial inflammation. It is common for people who smoke. People with chronic bronchitis often get lung diseases easily. They also have episodes of acute bronchitis, in which the symptoms worsen. Coughing is a way for your body to get rid of harmful substances in your lungs. But a severe cough can be bad, too. If you have had a cough for a long time, you may have a serious illness called chronic bronchitis. This is when the airways in your lungs are called the bronchi that become irritated and swollen, and you have a cough for at least 3 months a year for 2 years in a row. It is a chronic illness that returns or does not go away completely. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Another type is emphysema. Symptoms; Chronic bronchitis fills your respiratory tract with mucus. The small hairs that often release phlegm from your lungs are damaged. That's a cough. As the disease progresses, it becomes more difficult to breathe. Other symptoms of chronic bronchitis may include: Cough, often with mucus, breathing, shortness of breath and feeling tired. Your symptoms may be worse in winter, when humidity and temperatures drop. Causes; Smoking is the No. 1 cause for chronic bronchitis. More than 90% of people with this condition smoke or smoke regularly. Other things that raise your existing opportunities include: Cigarette smoke, dust, some smoke such as hairspray when working at hair salon or house paint if you are a construction contractor. Air pollution, exhaust fumes, engine exhaust, coal and smoke of fire. Twice women were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis as did men. Most people with this condition are between the ages of 44 and 65. Chronic bronchitis may make it easier for you to catch respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia. Diagnosis; Your doctor will ask about your smoking history and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. You can take tests, including: Lung Performance Test: This is a series of measurements of how much air your lungs can hold while you breathe in and out. Chest X-ray: Uses radiation to take pictures of your lungs to prevent heart failure or other diseases that make it difficult to breathe. Computed tomography: This CT scan gives a more detailed view of your airways than chest X-ray. Who is at risk for chronic bronchitis? Risks of chronic bronchitis include: Smoking; this is a major risk factor. Up to 75% of people with chronic bronchitis smoke or smoke regularly. Prolonged exposure to other lung irritants, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dust from the environment or workplace. Age; most people with chronic bronchitis are at least 40 years old when their symptoms start. Inheritance; this includes a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, which is a genetic condition. Also, smokers who get chronic bronchitis are more likely to get it if they have a family history of COPD. Treatment; Changes in medication and lifestyle can reduce the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and may delay or prevent the disease from getting worse. Most people live with moderate symptoms for a long time, and they breathe on their own without extra oxygen. Your first step, if you smoke, is to quit. Your lungs will not fully recover, but the rate of decline will be much slower. Airway openers (bronchodilators): These medicines relax your passages to make it easier to breathe and relieve your bronchitis symptoms. Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Steroids reduce inflammation which narrows your airways. Oxygen therapy: This is a critical condition, in which your lungs are so damaged that your blood pressure levels are very low. You can inhale the oxygen in your home port as needed. Special rehab program: If you often run out of breath, rehab treatment can teach you how to manage your illness. For example, you can learn to breathe better while exercising. Lung transplantation: A new lung or lungs may help you to live longer.
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