Chronic Bronchitis: Symptoms and Treatment

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes of your lungs, also known as your airways, are irritated by smoke, fumes or polluted air, for example, which causes them to become inflamed or swollen. This irritation brings on unpleasant symptoms like excessive coughing, wheezing, mucus production and more.

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What Is Chronic Bronchitis?

If you have acute bronchitis, you experience a temporary condition often caused by a virus, such as a cold, or respiratory infection. Acute bronchitis usually goes away after two to three weeks.

Chronic bronchitis develops over time, has more of an impact on your body, and never completely goes away, but there are things you can do to manage the symptoms. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Chronic Bronchitis Causes

Approximately 75% of people in the United States with chronic bronchitis either smoke or used to smoke, according to the National Library of Medicine. Other causes of chronic bronchitis include long-term exposure to:

• Air pollution

• Chemicals

• Dust

• Secondhand smoke

• Toxic fumes

Most people who develop chronic bronchitis begin to see symptoms at age 40 or older.

Additionally, people who have the genetic condition alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency are also at risk for developing chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

Common symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• Chest pain or tightness

• Frequent cough, often containing mucus

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity

• Wheezing, or a whistling sound when you breathe

If you have had one or more episodes of a cough that produces mucus (a productive cough) for more than three months over the course of two years, there’s a good possibility you have chronic bronchitis, and it might be time to see a doctor.

Chronic Bronchitis Treatment

If your healthcare provider suspects you have chronic bronchitis, they may order a blood test to determine if there is a current infection.

They may also order a chest X-ray to see if your bronchial tubes and lungs look normal and check for signs of pneumonia.

Once your doctor has diagnosed chronic bronchitis, there are several different ways to treat it.

The most important thing you can do for yourself if you’re a smoker and have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis is to stop smoking. Ask your health care provider for resources to help you quit smoking.

Medications can clear the airways and reduce swelling. There are three main types that help relieve chronic bronchitis symptoms:

1. Bronchodilators — Inhaled medications that relax the muscles in the lungs and open the airways so you can breathe easier. Bronchodilators are often referred to as rescue inhalers when they are used as a short-acting treatment.
2. Glucocorticoids — Oral tablets or inhaled corticosteroids that reduce swelling in the bronchial tubes and are generally used for short-term therapy.
3. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors — Oral tablets that have both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects. These types of medications can be used in short- and long-term treatment plans.

Antibiotics are generally not prescribed unless needed to treat a bacterial infection. Your doctor may also recommend oxygen therapy when needed.

If you’re tired of living with chronic bronchitis, the pulmonologists at Beaufort Memorial can help. Call today to schedule an appointment.