Chronic Bronchitis
What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation, or irritation, of the airways in the lungs. Airways are the tubes in your lungs that air passes through. They are also called bronchial tubes. When the airways are irritated, thick mucus forms in them. The mucus plugs up the airways and makes it hard for you to get air into your lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that produces mucus (sometimes called sputum), trouble breathing and a feeling of tightness in your chest.
What causes chronic bronchitis?
Cigarette smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. When tobacco smoke is inhaled into the lungs, it irritates the airways and they produce mucus. People who have been exposed for a long time to other things that irritate their lungs, such as chemical fumes, dust and other substances, can also get chronic bronchitis.
Can medicine treat chronic bronchitis?
Yes. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine called a bronchodilator to treat your chronic bronchitis. This medicine dilates, or opens, the airways in your lungs and helps you breathe better. This medicine is usually inhaled (breathed in) rather than taken as a pill. An inhaler is the device used to get the medicine into your lungs. It's important to use your inhaler the right way, so you get the most from the medicine. Ask your doctor to show you how to use your inhaler. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine, such as theophylline, for you to take in pill form. If your symptoms don't get better with these medicines, your doctor may prescribe steroids. You can take steroids either with an inhaler or in pill form.
Will antibiotics help chronic bronchitis?
In general, antibiotics don't help chronic bronchitis. Antibiotics may be needed if you get a lung infection along with your chronic bronchitis. If you have a lung infection, you may cough up more mucus. This mucus might be yellow or dark green. You also may have a fever and shortness of breath. Because chronic bronchitis increases your risk of lung infections, be sure to get a flu shot every year. Also, get a pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumonia.
Credit: National Institute of Health.