Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the airways in the lungs, leading to the production of thick mucus that obstructs normal breathing. The most significant risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking, with over 90% of affected individuals being smokers or former smokers. Other contributors include exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and inhalation of various chemicals and allergens. Symptoms typically include a productive cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue, often worsening after physical activity.
Diagnosing chronic bronchitis involves a thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history, alongside tests to evaluate lung function. While there is no cure for the condition, several treatment options aim to manage symptoms and enhance lung function, including bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy. Prevention primarily focuses on smoking cessation and reducing exposure to environmental irritants. For individuals at risk or showing symptoms, early intervention is crucial in preserving lung health and improving quality of life.
Chronic Bronchitis
Definition: Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed. The condition persists for a long time or continues to recur following periods of remission. Chronic bronchitis, along with emphysema, is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Causes
With chronic bronchitis, the airways in the lungs experience inflammation. When these airways become irritated, thick mucus forms inside the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
The most common causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke. Air pollution, infections, and allergens worsen the symptoms of bronchitis.
Risk Factors
Cigarette smoking is the single greatest risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis. More than 90 percent of chronic bronchitis patients are or have been smokers, and about 15 percent of all smokers develop the disease. The more a person smokes and the longer he or she smokes, the greater the risk is of developing chronic bronchitis. Frequent and long-term smoking also increases the risk that the chronic bronchitis will be severe.
Other factors that may increase the chance of developing chronic bronchitis include long-term exposure to chemicals, dust, and other substances that have been inhaled; long-term cigar or marijuana smoking; uncontrolled asthma; and long-term exposure to air pollution.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include coughing up mucus, coughing up mucus streaked with blood, and shortness of breath (difficulty breathing). Difficulty breathing may especially occur after mild activity or exercise. Other symptoms include recurring respiratory infections that cause symptoms to worsen; wheezing when breathing; fatigue; swelling of the ankles, feet, and legs; and headaches.
Screening and 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. A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination.
Tests may include 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, and a CT scan of the chest (a type of X-ray that captures 3-D images of the internal organs).
Treatment and Therapy
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. Short-acting bronchodilator medications may be prescribed to help open the airways in the lungs and improve breathing. Long-acting bronchodilator medication may be prescribed as well, and steroids may be prescribed to help improve breathing. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed to treat bronchitis. However, 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 can restore oxygen to parts of the body depleted because of chronic bronchitis. Exercise can also help. Breathing exercises can help to improve lung function, and are usually done under the supervision of a respiratory therapist. A regular exercise program can reduce symptoms and improve lung function.
Prevention
The best way to prevent chronic bronchitis is to stop smoking, or avoiding smoking altogether for nonsmokers. Inhalation of other triggers such as air pollution, chemicals, and dust should also be avoided as much as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of the condition will preserve lung function and reduce symptoms.
Bibliography
"Chronic Bronchitis." MedlinePlus. US National Library of Medicine, 16 June 2021, medlineplus.gov/chronicbronchitis.html. Accessed 22 Nov. 2022.
"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)." CDC. US Dept. of Health and Human Services, 8 Apr. 2022, www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html. Accessed 22 Nov. 2022.
Halbert, R. J., et al. “Global Burden of COPD: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” European Respiratory Journal 28.3 (2006): 523–532. Print.
Lopez, A.D., et al. “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Current Burden and Future Projections.” European Respiratory Journal 27.2 (2006): 397–412. Print.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Bronchitis.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.