Chronic bronchitis is a long term inflammation of medium size airways in lungs. This is generally considered as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Clinically, this is defined as persistent cough which produces mucus and phlegm or sputum, that stays for 3 months in 2 consecutive years.
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis:
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis vary from person to person. Following are the most common signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
- Expectoration of mucus
- Cough
- Disability
- Difficulty in breathing
- Severe and frequent respiratory infections
- Plugging and narrowing of bronchi
- Heart failure
- Skin and lips turns to blue color
- Swelling of feet
- Abnormal lung symptoms
Chronic bronchitis symptoms resembles other medical problems or lung conditions.
Causes of Chronic Bronchitis:
There is no certain organism identified for the cause of the condition. Cigar smoking considered as the most common cause followed by environmental pollution and viral or bacterial infections.
Often, chronic bronchitis is associated with other lung diseases, like:
- Sinusitis
- Pulmonary emphysema
- Tuberculosis
- Asthma
- Upper respiratory infections
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pneumoconiosis
- Long term fume inhalation
Diagnosis for Chronic Bronchitis:
Often, physical examination reveals the crackling sounds of breathing, wheezing and prolonged expiration. Many health care providers rely on the existence of persistent wet or dry cough as a proof of bronchitis. Various tests include:
- Spirometry or pulmonary function test are performed in people suffering from chronic cough. FEV1/FVC ratio less than 0.7 cannot be reversed completely after bronchodilator therapy. This indicates presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Blood test indicates inflammation.
- Neutrophils release mucosal hyper secretion.
- Chest X-ray reveals hyperinflation.
- Irritation of airways causes damage and leads to neutrophils and inflammation.
Treatments for Chronic Bronchitis:
Treatments include:
- Bronchodilators: Ipratropium can be used for patients suffering from COPD, like chronic bronchitis.
- Antibiotics: Nearly, 5 – 10% of cases are caused by bacterial infections. Most cases are caused by viral infections and can be resolved themselves in few weeks. In acute chronic bronchitis cases, antibiotics, such as doxycycline and amoxicillin are suggested.
