Chronic Bronchitis (or bronchial inflammation) may be brought on by a virus, bacteria, smoking, the inhalation of chemical pollutants or air-borne dust particles.

When the cells of the bronchial-lining tissue are so excessivle irritated, cilia (the tiny hair) contained therein stop trapping and eliminating various pollutants.

Consequently, the airways become clogged by debris and causing additional irritation to (already so inflamed) tissues in the bronchial tubes.

In response, a heavy secretion of mucus occurs, leading to the coughing episodes that are characteristic signature of bronchitis.

To be classified as Chronic Bronchitis:

• Cough and expectoration must occur on most days for at least three months per year, for two years in a row, and
• other potential causes -such as tuberculosis or other lung diseases, must be excluded.

The most common signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• Persistent cough,
• Mucous gland enlargement,
• Frequent respiratory infections,
• Narrowing of the bronchi,
• Inflammation of airways,
• Atrophy of the airways,
• Difficult in breathing,
• Ciliary abnormalities,
• Focal squamous metaplasia,
• Bronchial wall thickening,
• Cyanosis (lips and skin turning blue),
• Swelling of the feet, and
• Cardiac failure.

Common causes of Chronic Bronchitis

Cigarette smoking is considered to be the most common cause of to chronic bronchitis. Other causes include bacterial or viral infections, airway hyperresponsiveness, Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, and environmental/air pollution -inhalation of air-borne pollutents, dust particles, etc.

Diagnosis of Chronic Bronchitis

After a careful review of patient's complete medical history and physical examination, the following tests are usually ordered to aid in the diagnosis of Chronic Bronchitis:

• Sputum - In stable chronic bronchitis, sputum is mucoid, and macrophages are almost always the predominant cell.
• Chest X-ray - Frontal and lateral chest x-rays,
• CT scan,
• Pulmonary function tests,
• Presence of mucous gland hyperplasia in the bronchial walls,
• Increased thickness of the bronchial mucosa,
• Spirometry,
• Peak flow meter,
• Arterial blood gas (ABG)
• Pulse oximetry

Treatment for Chronic Bronchitis

Depending upon patient's age, general health, extent of the disese, and medical history, treatment may include the following:

• Smoking cessation,
• Bronchodilators,
• Anti-inflammatory agents,
• Inhaled steroids,
• Oral Steroids,
• Oxygen therapy -administration of oxygen from portable tanks,
• Anticholinergic agents,
• Antibiotic therapy,
• Lung reduction surgery to remove damaged area of lung, and
• Lung transplantation.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Chronic Bronchitis Treatment News, and our Lung Disease Articles Library for the latest Chronic Bronchitis related Articles.

Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.