Daily, millions of individuals suffer from chronic bronchitis worldwide regardless of race, gender and economic background. The American Lung Association reported in 2004 that around 9 million people in the United States were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. Usually, the disease often presents itself to individuals who are 45 years and older. In comparison with acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is irreversible and symptoms can only be temporarily relieved by remedies. However, the disease itself heal on its own since full blown chronic bronchitis is a result of years of damage to the air passageway.
In fact, Chronic bronchitis is categorized among lung diseases referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ).
Usually, chronic bronchitis is caused by tobacco smoking including second hand smoke. There is a high chance that Pneumoconiosis and inhalation of fumes on long term basis can also lead to chronic bronchitis according to Medline Plus. According to doctors, chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily accompanied by sputum production. However, the cough last no less than three months, two years in a row. Thus, people with chronic bronchitis cannot ignore the symptoms since having cough for a long period of time can really be inconvenient and unpleasant. The most damaged area are the bronchi –large air tubes coming from the trachea to the lungs which transports air. In chronic bronchitis, the bronchi becomes inflamed and swollen with so much mucus production. This can severely limit passage of air and make the hair-like appendages known as cilia lose their function. In such cases, the cilia cannot efficiently transport mucus anymore thus aggravating the constriction of air passageways.
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis exhibit easily which includes persistent cough for at least three months, wheezing, chest pain due to prolonged coughing, blood-tinged sputum, wheezing and difficulty in breathing. As soon as such symptoms of chronic bronchitis have surfaced, it is smart to see doctor as soon as possible. Usually, physical examination would be required to check breathing capacity. Some tests like Pulmonary Function Test, chest x-ray, sputum sample and blood test and mucosal hypersecretion must be done on the patient. The test results can assist the doctor in suggesting appropriate treatment for chronic bronchitis. Thus, immediate detection of chronic bronchitis symptoms is vital to prevent further complications.
Article source: https://bronchitistips.com/bronchitis/understanding-chronic-bronchitis/