Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis: Introduction
Chronic bronchitis is a chronic, ongoing, progressive disease of the lower respiratory tract in the lungs. It is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The hallmark of chronic bronchitis is a continuing loose, wet cough that produces excessive amounts of mucus.
It is a seriously disabling disease with the potential for major complications and can be fatal, especially when paired with emphysema, another serious respiratory disease and form of COPD. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, COPD is a major cause of disability, and it's the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
Chronic bronchitis develops most often as a result of smoking, but can also occur from long-term inhalation of other irritants into the lungs. Chronic bronchitis most often develops when irritants are breathed into the respiratory tract and down into the bronchial tubes, small hollow passageways that branch off the main airway from the mouth and nose. Normally, air and needed oxygen pass through the bronchioles into the alveoli, tiny hollow sack-like structures in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed in to the bloodstream. When air is mixed with smoke or irritants, it can damage the lungs and their ability to take in enough oxygen. Long-term inhalation of irritants results in chronic irritation and inflammation of the bronchioles leading to excessive production of mucus, and thickening of the bronchial tubes, resulting in obstruction of airflow into the lungs.
Eventually, the lungs become scarred, and a chronic, ongoing cough develops. The excessive mucus production and inflammation of chronic bronchitis also creates a perfect breeding ground in the lungs for bacteria and viruses that can cause severe, even life threatening infections, such as pneumonia. Infections of the lungs can also further irritate and exacerbate (worsen) chronic bronchitis.
The longer the lungs are exposed to smoke or irritants, the more likely it is that you will develop chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis can affect people of all ages and it is more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
See full list of 20
symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
Home Diagnostic Testing
Home medical testing related to Chronic Bronchitis:
- Smoking-Related Disorders: Home Testing:
- Lung & Respiratory Health Tests:
- Cold & Flu: Home Testing:
- more tests...»
Chronic Bronchitis: Complications
Review possible medical complications related to Chronic Bronchitis:
Disease Topics Related To Chronic Bronchitis
Research the causes of these diseases that are similar to, or related to, Chronic Bronchitis:
Medical Textbooks Online about Chronic Bronchitis
Medical Books Excerpts
- COUGH
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- STRIDOR
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- WHEEZING
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- Stridor
- "In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Wheezing
- "In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- COUGH
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Stridor
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Cough
- "A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis" (1999)
- [ read ]
- Wheezing
- "A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis" (1999)
- [ read ]
- Stridor
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Cough
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
- Stridor
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
- Wheezing
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
- Cough, barking
- "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Cough, productive
- "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Stridor
- "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Wheezing
- "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Stridor
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Wheezing
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Cough
- "The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Wheezing
- "The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Stridor
- "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- COUGH
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
Book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
Wrongly Diagnosed with Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic Bronchitis: Self Assessment Tools
Chronic Bronchitis: Medical Mistakes
Chronic Bronchitis: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Chronic Bronchitis:
Chronic Bronchitis: Undiagnosed Conditions
Commonly undiagnosed diseases in related medical categories:
Misdiagnosis and Chronic Bronchitis
Sinusitis is overdiagnosed: There is a tendency to give a diagnosis of sinusitis,
when the condition is really a harmless complication of another infection,
such as a common cold....read more »
Whooping cough often undiagnosed: Although most children in the Western world have been
immunized against whooping cough (also called "pertussis"), this protection wears
off...read more »
Chronic lung diseases hard to diagnose: Some of the chronic lung diseases
are difficult to diagnose.
Even the well-knowns conditions such as asthma or lung cancer often fail to be diagnosed early.
Some of the chronic lung diseases...read more »
Read more about Misdiagnosis and Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research related physicians and medical specialists:
Other doctor, physician and specialist research services:
Hospitals & Clinics: Chronic Bronchitis
Research quality ratings and patient safety measures
for medical facilities in specialties related to Chronic Bronchitis:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Chronic Bronchitis,
on hospital performance and surgical care quality:
Chronic Bronchitis: Rare Types
Rare types of diseases and disorders in related medical categories:
Causes of Chronic Bronchitis
See full list of 20
causes of Chronic Bronchitis
More information about causes of Chronic Bronchitis:
Treatments for Chronic Bronchitis
See full list of 14
treatments for Chronic Bronchitis
Latest Treatments for Chronic Bronchitis
See full list of 15
latest treatments for Chronic Bronchitis
News Archives for Chronic Bronchitis
Medical news articles related to Chronic Bronchitis include:
Source: HealthDay News
Evidence Based Medicine Research for Chronic Bronchitis
Medical research articles related to Chronic Bronchitis include:
Click here to find more evidence-based articles on the TRIP Database
Videos for Chronic Bronchitis
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People with osteoporosis are often unaware that they have the disease until they sustain a fracture, which can result from the slightest accident....
See full list of 6 related videos
Patient Surveys for Chronic Bronchitis
Prognosis for Chronic Bronchitis
More about prognosis of Chronic Bronchitis
Reseach about Chronic Bronchitis
Visit our research pages for current research about Chronic Bronchitis treatments.
Clinical Trials for Chronic Bronchitis
The US based website ClinicalTrials.gov lists information on both federally
and privately supported clinical trials using human volunteers.
Some of the clinical trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for Chronic Bronchitis include:
- A Blinded Study Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of a Fully Human Anti-IL8 Monoclonal Antibody (ABX-IL8) to Placebo in Patients With Chronic Bronchitis and COPD - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - ABX-IL8
- A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Levofloxacin Compared With Cefaclor in the Treatment of Adults With Chronic Bronchitis Experiencing Rapid Onset of Worsening of Symptoms Caused by Bacteria - This study is no longer recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - levofloxacin
- A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Oral Levofloxacin Compared With Cefuroxime Axetil in the Treatment of Adults With Persistent Bronchitis Experiencing Rapid Onset of Severe Worsening of Symptoms Caused by Bacteria - This study is no longer recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - levofloxacin
- A Study of the Effectiveness and Safety of High Dose, Short-Course Levofloxacin in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Exacerbation (Worsening) of Chronic Bronchitis. - This study is no longer recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - levofloxacin, azithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanate
- Standard Vs. Biofilm Susceptibility Testing in CF - This study is currently recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - IV amikacin,PO azithromycin,IV ceftazidime,PO ciprofloxacin,IV meropenem,IV piperacillin-tazobactam,IV ticarcillin-clavulanate,IV tobramycin
- more trials...»
See full list of 37
Clinical Trials for Chronic Bronchitis
Statistics for Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis: Broader Related Topics
Types of Chronic Bronchitis
Curable Types of Chronic Bronchitis
Possibly curable types of Chronic Bronchitis include:
- Smoking induced Chronic bronchitis
- Occupational exposure induced Chronic bronchitis
- Air pollution induced Chronic bronchitis
- more types...»
Rare Types of Chronic Bronchitis:
Rare types of Chronic Bronchitis include:
- Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency induced Chronic bronchitis
- Cooking smoke induced Chronic bronchitis
- Repeated lung infection induced Chronic bronchitis
- Silicosis induced Chronic bronchitis
- more types...»
Stories from Users Related to Chronic Bronchitis
Related forums and medical stories:
User Interactive Forums
Read about other experiences, ask a question about Chronic Bronchitis, or answer someone else's question, on our message boards:
Article Excerpts about Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis, one of
the two major diseases of the lung grouped under COPD, is diagnosed when a
patient has excessive airway mucus secretion leading to a persistent, productive
cough. An individual is considered to have chronic bronchitis if cough and
sputum are present on most days for a minimum of 3 months for at least 2
successive years or for 6 months during 1 year. In chronic bronchitis, there
also may be narrowing of the large and small airways making it more difficult to
move air in and out of the lungs. An estimated 12.1 million Americans have
chronic bronchitis.
(Source: excerpt from Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema: NHLBI)
Definitions of Chronic Bronchitis:
Chronic, irreversible obstruction of air flow from the lungs.
- (Source - Diseases Database)
A form of bronchitis characterized by excess production of sputum leading to a chronic cough and obstruction of air flow
- (Source - WordNet 2.1)
Contents for Chronic Bronchitis:
- Chronic Bronchitis
- What is Chronic Bronchitis?
- Online Medical Textbooks for Chronic Bronchitis
- Prevalence and Incidence of Chronic Bronchitis
- Videos related to Chronic Bronchitis
- Prognosis of Chronic Bronchitis
- Types of Chronic Bronchitis
- Causes of Chronic Bronchitis
- Risk Factors for Chronic Bronchitis
- Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
- Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Bronchitis
- Diagnosis of Chronic Bronchitis
- Signs of Chronic Bronchitis
- Complications of Chronic Bronchitis
- Misdiagnosis of Chronic Bronchitis
- Undiagnosed Chronic Bronchitis
- Misdiagnosis of Underlying Causes of Chronic Bronchitis
- Treatments for Chronic Bronchitis
- Alternative Treatments for Chronic Bronchitis
- Doctors and Medical Specialists for Chronic Bronchitis
- Cure Research for Chronic Bronchitis
- Deaths from Chronic Bronchitis
- Statistics about Chronic Bronchitis
- Statistics by Country for Chronic Bronchitis
- Medical News Summaries About Chronic Bronchitis
- Hospital Statistics for Chronic Bronchitis
- Books about Chronic Bronchitis
- Articles about Chronic Bronchitis
- Glossary for Chronic Bronchitis
- Clinical Trials for Chronic Bronchitis
- External links relating to Chronic Bronchitis
- COUGH (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
- STRIDOR (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
- WHEEZING (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
- Stridor & Wheezing (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- Cough - Productive (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- Cough - Nonproductive (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- Stridor (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Wheezing (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Cough – Acute (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Cough – Chronic (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- COUGH (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
- STRIDOR AND SNORING (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
- Cough, barking (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
- Cough, productive (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
- Stridor (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
- Cough, nonproductive (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
- Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi] (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
- Cough (A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis)
- Wheezing (A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
- Acute respiratory failure in COPD (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
- Whooping cough (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
- Cough, barking (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
- Cough, productive (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
- Stridor (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
- Cough, nonproductive (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
- Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi] (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
- Cough (The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
- Stridor (The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
- Wheezing (The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
- Wheezing (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
- Acute Cough (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
- Chronic Cough (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Handbook of Diseases)
- Acute respiratory failure in COPD (Handbook of Diseases)
- Cough, barking (Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
- Cough, productive (Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
- Stridor (Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
- Wheezing (Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
- Cough, barking (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
- Cough, productive (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
- Stridor (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
- Wheezing (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
- Cough, nonproductive (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
- Cough (The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Wheezing (The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Stertor, Stridor, and Airway Obstruction (The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Cough, barking (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
- Cough, productive (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
- Stridor (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
- Cough, nonproductive (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
- Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi] (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
- COUGH (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
- STRIDOR AND SNORING (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
- Avoid beta blockers for patients with asthma or other obstructive airway disease (Avoiding Common Pediatric Errors)
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