Chronic Bronchitis

What is chronic bronchitis?

When the bronchial tubes, the respiratory arteries that carry oxygen to the lungs, become inflamed, bronchitis occurs. This disease causes cough with mucus, besides generating breathing problems. Other symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness or low fever may also occur. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic.

Chronic bronchitis is classified as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). A large amount of mucus is generated when the bronchial tubes are inflamed. This is why it becomes very difficult to breathe and causes a lot of coughing. Smoking is one of the most common causes, breathing air with high doses of pollution, smoke and dust for a long time can be other causes of chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis

The main symptom of chronic bronchitis is a long-lasting cough that does not go away for several months. The mucus is accompanied by coughing, which is also associated with wheezing noises and trouble taking in air.

Chronic bronchitis can be relieved in various ways but does not go away.

What are the causes of chronic bronchitis?

The main cause of chronic bronchitis is tobacco use. The act of inhaling smoke irritates the lungs and causes large amounts of mucus. Other people who may suffer from chronic bronchitis are those who have breathed other substances such as chemical vapors, dust and other substances.

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Can it be prevented?

The best way to prevent chronic bronchitis is not to smoke or to stop smoking. The more smoke inhaled, the sicker the lungs will become. By quitting smoking, breathing improves and coughing is reduced, therefore the lungs begin to improve. In turn, the chances of becoming a victim of lung cancer are reduced.

On the other hand, you can avoid other substances that can damage the organs, products that use aerosols such as hairspray, deodorant spray or paint in the same format. Inhaling dust or chemical vapors should also be avoided. Another way to take care of the lungs is to use a mask over the mouth and nose when using varnish, paint or any other chemical substance containing strong vapors.

What is the treatment?

First of all, chronic bronchitis, as its name suggests, never disappears completely or reappears intermittently for long periods of time. Treatment to treat chronic bronchitis can help with its symptoms but does not provide a definitive solution. For example, medications can clear the airways and eliminate mucus. Oxygen therapy can also be practiced, in which case pulmonary rehabilitation may be the solution to maximize symptom relief and achieve a better quality of life.