Chronic Bronchitis

What is Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic Bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi, which results in increased production of mucus,  as well as other changes.

To be classified as Chronic Bronchitis:

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

What are the Causes ChronicBronchitis?
In acute bronchitis, bacteria or viruses may be the cause, but in Chronic Bronchitis there is no specific organism recognized as the cause of the disease.

Cigarette smoking is cited as the most common contributor to Chronic Bronchitis, followed by:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Environmental pollution

Chronic Bronchitis is often associated with other pulmonary diseases such as:

• Pulmonary emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Asthma
• Tuberculosis
• Sinusitis
• Upper Respiratory Infections

Who are at risk for Chronic Bronchitis?
A study in the Philippines in 1999 showed that 6.3% of the Philippine population is affected by chronic bronchitis. Women and those over the age of 40 are at increased risk of suffering from chronic bronchitis when compared to men and younger individuals, respectively. No matter what their occupation and lifestyle are, people who smoke cigarettes are most likely to develop chronic bronchitis.  However, workers with certain jobs, especially those involving high concentration of dust and irritating fumes, are also at high risk of developing this disease.  Higher rates of chronic bronchitis are found among coal miners, grain handlers, metal molders, and other workers exposed to dust. Chronic bronchitis symptoms worsen when atmospheric concentrations of sulfur dioxide and other air pollutants increase. These symptoms are intensified when individuals also smoke.

How serious is Chronic Bronchitis?
In 1992, the Philippine Health Statistics listed Chronic Bronchitis as the 7th leading cause of mortality and the second leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines.  Chronic bronchitis is often neglected by individuals until it is in an advanced state, because people wrongly believe that the disease is not life-threatening. By the time a patient goes to his doctor, the lungs have frequently been seriously injured. The patient then may be in danger of developing serious respiratory problems or heart failure.

What are the symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis?
The following are the most common symptoms for Chronic Bronchitis.  However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Expectoration (spitting out) of mucus

Chronic Bronchitis may cause:

• Frequent and severe respiratory infections
• Narrowing and plugging of the breathing tubes

(bronchi)

• Difficult breathing
• Disability

Other symptoms may include:

• Lips and skin may appear blue
• Abnormal lung signs
• Swelling of the feet
• Heart failure

The symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis may resemble other lung conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for diagnosis.

What happened during attacks of Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis doesn't strike suddenly. After a cold seems cured, an individual may continue to cough and produce large amounts of mucus for several weeks.  Since people who get chronic bronchitis are often smokers, the cough is usually dismissed as only “smoker's cough”. As time goes on, colds become more damaging. Coughing and bringing up phlegm last longer. Without realizing it, one begins to take this coughing and mucus production as a matter of course. Soon they are present all the time before colds, during colds, after colds, all year round. Generally the cough is worse in the morning and in damp, cold weather. An ounce or more of yellow mucus may be coughed up each day.

What should you do to avoid chronic bronchitis?
A good health plan for any one to prevent chronic bronchitis should include the following:

• See your lung doctor or Follow your doctor's instructions at the beginning of any cold or respiratory infection.
• See your lung doctor if you don't improve with cold and cough medication.
• Don't smoke! Or quit smoking.
• Eat nutritious, well –balanced meals, and maintain your ideal body weight.
• Get regular exercise daily, without tiring yourself too much.
• Ask your doctor about getting vaccinated against influenza and invasive pneumonococcal disease.
• Avoid exposure to colds and influenza at home or in public,  and avoid respiratory irritants such as secondhand smoke, dust.

Reference:

American Lung Association

Philippine Health Statistics, 1997

TMC Dept. of Medicine                                                                                             

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help. 

The Medical City offers a roster of competent Pulmonologists who may assess and treat people with Chronic Bronchitis.

For any inquiries please call:

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE
SECTION OF PULMONARY MEDICINE
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext No. 6287

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444