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Chronic bronchitis: symptoms and treatment
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In bronchitis, the branches of the trachea (bronchi) are irritated. This causes the mucous membranes to produce more mucus and the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, causing you to cough up mucus. The inflammation causes the mucous membrane to thicken. Air flows more difficult and breathing becomes more difficult. If these symptoms persist for three months or more each year for two consecutive years, it is chronic bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is a chronic condition in which the airflow in the lungs is obstructed.
Also read: COPD or ‘smoker’s lung’: chronic and slowly progressive lung disease
Symptoms
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The symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
The symptoms of chronic bronchitis can become worse over the years. Patients can also suddenly have attacks with severe symptoms. Admission to hospital is sometimes necessary.
Also read: Acute bronchitis: symptoms and treatment
Causes
Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. The inhaled air from the cigarette contains a chemical that is released when the tobacco and paper burn. This substance causes the bronchi to become inflamed.
Even if you have had acute bronchitis several times in succession, a chronic form can develop. Very occasionally, a rare lung disease is the cause, such as alpha-1.
Also read: Which complaints can indicate asthma?
Diagnosis and treatment
If chronic bronchitis is suspected, screening for COPD will usually be performed. Sometimes a lung function test, lung X-ray and/or exercise test are also necessary. This is often accompanied by a measurement of muscle strength and nutritional status.
If you have chronic bronchitis and smoke, it is best to stop smoking immediately. The damage that is already there cannot be reversed. But your prospects will improve immediately. You will also need medication, but it is also important that you exercise sufficiently in moderate intensity, such as walking, cycling and swimming. It is best to supplement this with muscle strengthening exercises two to three times a week.
Exercise can also be supervised in the form of physiotherapy with a physiotherapist. In some cases, a rehabilitation program in hospital is indicated.
Also read: Ibuprofen, expectorants, cough syrup: which medicines for bronchitis?
Sources:
Last updated: October 2023
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2023-10-23 22:01:07
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