What is CHRONIC BRONCHITIS?
In chronic bronchitis, the main airways leading to the lungs known as the bronchi, become inflamed, congested, and narrowed due to irritation caused by tobacco smoke, frequent infections, or prolonged exposure to pollutants (dust). Due to this, Bronchi start to produce too much mucus (sputum) which results in a typical cough and also causes breathing problems. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.
To be classified as chronic bronchitis:
You must have a cough and mucus for at least 3 months of a year, for 2 years in a row.
Other causes of symptoms, such as tuberculosis or other lung diseases, must be excluded.
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 lead to breathing problems. The 2 most common conditions of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Symptoms:
Cough often called smoker’s cough
Wheezing sound.
Breathlessness
Fatigue
If a secondary respiratory infection develops, the sputum turns from clear white to yellow or greenish; rarely, it may be streaked with blood.
Slight fever and chills
Chest discomfort
Bluish fingernails, lips, and skin because of lower oxygen levels
When to see a doctor:
Contact your doctor immediately if your cough:
Lasts more than three weeks
Prevents you from sleeping
Is accompanied by fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
Produces discolored mucus
Produces blood
Is associated with wheezing or shortness of breath
Diagnosis process:
Your doctor will check into your a complete health history and do a physical exam. He or she may also order the following tests:
Pulmonary function tests: These tests help to measure the lung's ability to move air in and out of your lungs. The tests are often done with special machines in which you breathe into. They may include:
Spirometry: This test uses a spirometer device to observe how well your lungs are functioning. It may be used to find out if your lung disease is restrictive or obstructive. Restrictive means less air will get into your lungs whereas obstructive means less air will get out of your lungs. It can also check how well your lungs take in, hold, and move air.
Peak flow monitor: This test measures the fastest speed you can blow air out of your lungs. Inflammation and mucus in the bronchus of the lungs narrow the airways. This slows the speed of air leaving the lungs. It can be measured with a peak flow monitor.
Arterial blood gas: This blood test is used to check the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. It also measures the acidity of your blood.
CT scan: This 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.
Causes:
Chronic bronchitis is not caused by a virus or bacteria. The main cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.
Bronchitis symptoms often come about with other lung diseases, such as:
Asthma
Pulmonary emphysema
Scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis)
Sinusitis
Tuberculosis
Upper respiratory infections.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so this type of medication isn't useful in most cases of bronchitis.
Precaution and Treatment:
Trigger the source of infection if you are suffering on a regular basis.
Avoid dairy products.
Try using mild scents.
Quitting smoking. Stay away from secondhand smoke and other lung irritants.
Take medicines orally to open airways and help clear away mucus. Also take inhaled medicines, such as bronchodilators and steroids
Getting a lung transplant, in rare cases.
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