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Chronic bronchitis Introduction |
There
are two types of bronchitis: acute
(begins suddenly and clears up
quickly) and chronic
(long-term and recurrent).
Chronic bronchitis is one of
several diseases collectively known
as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease, or COPD. Other
diseases in this category include; asthmatic
bronchitis, chronic obstructive
bronchitis, bullous disease, and
emphysema.
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In chronic
bronchitis, the airways
(bronchi) become inflamed,
congested, and narrowed.
Persons also have a continuous or a recurrent excess
of mucus
secretion, which affects the bronchial tree.
The body's natural mechanism to rid
itself of the excess mucus is by coughing.
If one has a frequent
overproduction of mucus with cough, and
the cough
occurs continuously for three
consecutive months during two
consecutive years; this person is
usually diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. |
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The primary cause of
chronic bronchitis is smoking.
However, continuous exposure to
other irritants such as occupational
dusts, noxious gases, environmental
pollution, and bacterial (possibly viral) infections, can also
cause chronic bronchitis. In
response to smoke or other
irritants, the linings of the lung's
airways become thickened and
narrowed. Mucus-producing glands in
the bronchi increase and produce
excessive mucus, which often impairs
the normal coughing mechanism for
clearing the airways.
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Chronic Bronchitis Statistics
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According to the
American Lung Association (1):
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Over 11 million
Americans are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis annually.
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More women than men
are diagnosed with chronic
bronchitis.
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Chronic
bronchitis affects people of all
ages, but is more prevalent in
people over 45 years old.
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In 2000, over 1,100
Americans died as a result of
chronic bronchitis
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Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms |
Chronic bronchitis
is classified into four different
categories: Class 1-acute
tracheobronchitis; Class 2-chronic bronchitis;
Class 3-chronic
bronchitis with complications;
and Class 4-chronic bronchial
infection. These categories
serve as a guide for the assessment
and treatment of this condition.
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis may
take years to develop and often
include the following:
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Mild to Severe
cough
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Coughing in the
morning that produces excessive
sputum (coughed up mucus)
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Coughing during the
day
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Thick sputum
ranging in color from white to
yellow-green
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Frequent chest
infections, especially in the
winter, producing yellow-green
sputum
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Wheezing and other
abnormal lung sounds, especially
after coughing and while inhaling
and/or exhaling
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Shortness of breath
on mild exertion, becoming
progressively worse
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In advanced stages
respiratory failure may develop in
which the lack of oxygen causes
the lips and fingernails to turn
blue, along with heart and liver
enlargement, and lower extremity
fluid build-up.
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Learn More About
Chronic bronchitis |
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