Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

Chronic bronchitis is a serious condition affecting the airways of the lungs. The condition is an inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs that is recurrent and leads to lung degeneration or disease. It results from long-term exposure of the airways to irritants. This article will share the symptoms and treatment options for dealing with this chronic infection.

Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms and Causes:

The chronic form of bronchitis is primarily concerned with changes in the bronchi, especially hyper-secretion of mucus and damage caused by infection. It is caused by a repetitive irritation of the airways. This irritant is most commonly tobacco smoke. Other irritants include air pollutants, chemicals, or bacterial infections.

Symptoms of the illness tend to begin in smokers after age 50. Symptoms of bronchitis may be similar to those of other respiratory illnesses. For this reason it is important to see a medical doctor so a proper diagnosis can be made and to differentiate bronchitis from other illnesses or to diagnose if the bronchitis is acute or chronic.

Symptoms include a persistent cough (lasting months to years), that produces thick sputum (mucus secretions), and shortness of breath.

Chronic Bronchitis Diagnosis and Treatments:

Signs and symptoms may be similar to other respiratory problems; therefore it is advisable that the patient should consult a physician. The doctor will perform a physical examination to evaluate the condition. The exam may include sputum culture, pulmonary evaluation, and chest x-rays. It may be necessary to rule out other conditions such as bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, a tumor, or heart disease before a proper diagnosis can be made.

Treatment for this illness is complex and aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Emphasis is placed on smoking cessation if that is the primary cause. A physician may prescribe antibiotics if the cause is a chronic bacterial infection, bronchodilators to open airways, or an expectorant to loosen mucus secretions. Chronic bronchitis can be treated successfully if there is no underlying disease and the irritation is removed (such as smoking).

Chronic bronchitis may lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is an incurable and chronic lung disease.