Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These are the airways called bronchi. This inflammation causes too much mucus production and other changes. There are different types of bronchitis. But the most common are acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchi. It is common among smokers. People with chronic bronchitis tend to get lung infections more easily. They also have episodes of acute
bronchitis, when symptoms are worse. To be classified as chronic bronchitis: People with chronic bronchitis have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a large group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis. These diseases can block air flow in the lungs
and cause breathing problems. The 2 most common conditions of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is not caused by a virus or bacteria. Most experts agree that the main cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and your work environment may also play a role. This is especially true if you also smoke. Bronchitis symptoms often happen with other lung diseases, such as:
What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?Below are the most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis. But each person may have slightly different symptoms. Symptoms may include:
People with chronic bronchitis often have a cough and make mucus for many years before they have shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis may cause:
Other symptoms may include:
The symptoms of chronic bronchitis may look like other lung conditions or health problems. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will take a complete health history and do a physical exam. He or she may order the following tests: Pulmonary function testsThese tests help to measure the lungs’ ability to move air in and out of your lungs. The tests are often done with special machines that you breathe into. They may include: Spirometry. This test uses a spirometer device to see how well your lungs are working. It is one of the simplest, most common pulmonary function tests. It may be used for any or all of these reasons:
Peak flow monitor. This test measures the fastest speed you can blow air out of your lungs. Inflammation and mucus in the large airways in the lungs narrow the airways. This slows the speed of air leaving the lungs. It can be measured with a peak flow monitor. This measurement is very important in telling how well your disease is being controlled. Arterial blood gasThis blood test is used to check the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. It also measures the acidity of your blood. Pulse oximetryAn oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. To get this measurement, a small sensor is taped or clipped onto a finger or toe. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless, and the red light does not get hot. Chest X-rayThis test makes pictures of your internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs. CT scanThis imaging test uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to make images of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. How is chronic bronchitis treated?Treatment for chronic bronchitis is aimed at treating the causes and symptoms. It may include:
Key points about chronic bronchitis
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Which is caused by a long term inflammation of the bronchi?Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes (bronchi). There are several types of bronchitis, but the most common are acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is often part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a group of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems.
What is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes?Bronchitis is when the tubes that carry air to your lungs, called the bronchial tubes, get inflamed and swollen. You end up with a nagging cough and mucus.
What is the main cause of COPD?Smoking. Smoking is the main cause of COPD and is thought to be responsible for around 9 in every 10 cases. The harmful chemicals in smoke can damage the lining of the lungs and airways.
What causes emphysema?Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones.
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