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Definition

Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed. In chronic bronchitis, the condition lasts for a long time or continues to recur. Chronic bronchitis is one form of an illness called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]]> (COPD).

When these airways become inflamed or irritated, thick mucus forms inside the airways. This makes it difficult to breathe.

Prognosis depends on the severity of the bronchitis. If you have mild or moderate chronic bronchitis, you can usually keep the condition well-controlled with medication and therapy to improve lung function. If you have severe chronic bronchitis, you may have a more difficult time controlling symptoms.

The best ways to improve prognosis of chronic bronchitis is to begin treatment early and ]]>stop smoking]]> .

Chronic Bronchitis

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Causes

The most common causes of chronic bronchitis include:

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke
  • Air pollution, infections, and allergies]]> worsen symptoms of bronchitis

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Risk Factors

Cigarette smoking is the single greatest risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the greater your risk is of developing chronic bronchitis. Frequent and long-term smoking also increases the risk that the chronic bronchitis will be severe.

The following factors may also increase your chance of developing chronic bronchitis:

  • Long-term exposure to chemicals, dust, and other substances that have been inhaled
  • Long-term cigar or marijuana smoking
  • Uncontrolled asthma]]>
  • Long-term exposure to air pollution

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Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Coughing up mucus
  • Coughing up mucus streaked with blood
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially after mild activity or exercise
  • Recurring respiratory infections that cause symptoms to worsen
  • Wheezing when breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling of the ankles, feet, and legs on both sides
  • Headaches

Diagnosis

To diagnose chronic bronchitis, symptoms of productive cough must have been present for three or more months in at least two consecutive years, and not have been caused by another condition. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:

  • Breathing tests to check lung function
  • Arterial blood gas tests
  • Chest x-ray]]> —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the chest
  • Blood tests to determine complete blood count and oxygen saturation of the blood
  • Exercise stress testing to test lung function
  • ]]>CT scan]]> of the chest—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the chest

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Treatment

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms and improve lung function. The best way to reduce symptoms is to stop smoking.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Medication

Short acting bronchodilator medications may be prescribed to help open the airways in the lungs and improve breathing. These may include:

Long acting bronchodilator medication may be prescribed, as well.

Steroids may be prescribed to help improve breathing. They can include:

Antibiotics are rarely prescribed to treat bronchitis. But, they may be needed to treat a lung infection that often accompanies the illness. A small percentage of patients may need chronic antibiotic therapy.

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy can restore oxygen to parts of the body depleted because of chronic bronchitis.

Exercises

  • Breathing exercises—These can help improve lung function. They are usually done under the supervision of a respiratory therapist
  • Regular ]]>exercise program]]> —This can reduce symptoms and improve lung function.

If you are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention

If you are a smoker, the best way to prevent chronic bronchitis is to stop smoking. If you are not a smoker, avoiding smoking will prevent developing chronic bronchitis.

Also, early diagnosis and treatment of the condition will preserve lung function and reduce symptoms.