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Chronic Bronchitis - The Forgotten COPD

© Floyd Tilton

Chronic Bronchitis is a disease that affects over 13 million people, yet normally gets little recognition when discussing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). For most people, the mention of COPD brings up images of emphysema or asthma. In this series of articles, we'll take a look at chronic bronchitis, its causes, treatments and the research being done to find better, more effective methods of treatment.

Before looking at what causes this condition, it is important that we understand exactly what chronic bronchitis is. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. These tubes, the bronchi, connect the windpipe with the lungs. When the bronchi are inflamed and/or infected, less air is able to flow to and from the lungs and a heavy mucus or phlegm is coughed up. It is characterized by the presence of a mucus-producing cough most days of the month, three months of a year for two successive years without other underlying disease to explain the cough.

Many people suffer a brief attack of acute bronchitis with cough and mucus production when they have severe colds. Acute bronchitis is usually associated with fever. While acute bronchitis is something that creates discomfort and difficulty breathing, it does not constitute the vast majority of bronchitis cases.

No cause is yet known for chronic bronchitis, however one thing is certain. A very strong link can be shown to smoking. Currently research into the relationship between smoking and chronic bronchitis by the American Lung Association, and volunteers are being actively sought for the study. Other causes of this condition include exposure to chemical fumes, dust and environmental pollutants for an extended period of time.

There are many things a person can do to reduce the effects of chronic bronchitis. These include several questions your doctor will ask you about your symptoms: Are you coughing up mucus? Are you having trouble breathing? Does your chest feel tight? Do you smoke cigarettes? How many cigarettes do you smoke each day? How many years have you been smoking? Have you been breathing in other things that can irritate your lungs?

If your doctor thinks you have chronic bronchitis, you may be tested to find out if your lungs are damaged. You might have a pulmonary function test to see how well your lungs are working. With this test, you breathe into a machine that measures the amount of air in your lungs. Your doctor may also order blood tests and a chest x-ray. Once these tests are done, and you are found to be in need of treatment, your doctor will usually prescribe medication, often in the form of an inhaler. This is designed to open the bronchi and allow you to breath more easily. This medication is usually the same medication used to treat asthma.

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