What is Chronic Bronchitis ? What is the difference between acute and chronic bronchitis ?

Bronchitis is a general ailment of the respiratory system which occurs due to infection or inflammation of the mucosal membranes. Putting simply, it is an infection of the air passage lining. The symptoms and signs produced by this ailment can vary according to the severity and causes which resulted in the problem. Judging by its severity and the period till which it lasts, bronchitis can be divided into acute and chronic. The acute form of the ailment occurs when the air passages of lungs are mildly infected. It usually clears up without treatment in a few days. The chronic form however, is more serious, persistent and sometimes irreversible. It can cause weakening of the lungs and requires continuous medical care.

Causes and reasons for Chronic bronchitis

The sufferers of chronic bronchitis experience a mucus producing cough daily which can persist for three months in a year or for two years continuously. Smoking is termed as the major reason behind the occurrence of chronic bronchitis. It can also lead to other chronic pulmonary and respiratory problems. It is also stated that exposure to environmental or occupational irritants can also result in this problem. Individuals who work around fumes and dust should be acquainted with and follow the various safety precautions recommended by their supervisor or the data sheet which terms all safety measures regarding substances and products. The major irritants include grain or coal dust, chemical fumes (like strong acids, bromine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, chlorine and ammonia), air pollutants and smoke.

Chronic bronchitis signs and symptoms

Chronic bronchitis can also occur due to repeated occurrences of acute bronchitis. The clinical manifestations can vary according to the age, reaction to the problem, activity and posture. The early stages of the problem are accompanied by very few symptoms. It usually starts with mucus producing morning cough. Many sufferers also complain regarding sinus congestion or postnasal drip, bad breath or bad taste. The severity of the cough and the amount of mucus and phlegm increases as the disease progresses. After some time, shortness of breath and wheezing can also happen. These occur because the inflammation is narrowing the airway which combining with the mucus leads to shortening of breath. As aforementioned, the inflammation and mucus increases over time which also results in increased severity in the wheezing problem.

Other clinical manifestations include swelling of ankles and legs. If the bronchitis worsens, it can also result in exacerbation. This causes increased wheezing and more mucus or differently colored mucus. The exacerbation is usually triggered by viral diseases. Even a simple cold can severely worsen the symptoms of chronic bronchitis. After observing the clinical manifestations, the doctor might suggest various clinical tests. The laboratory findings usually include abnormal liver functioning which can result due to hepatic congestion or the failure of the right sided heart; elevated hematocrit which can occur with/without acidosis of respiratory system; increased bronchial markings in chest x-ray; abnormal pulmonary working and sputum containing pathogenic bacteria. These findings are checked after the doctor suggests the patient to do some laboratory tests.

Diagnosis and tests for Chronic bronchitis

The laboratory tests might include the complete blood cell test which is done to check whether any infection is worsening or causing the symptoms of bronchitis. The clinician usually takes a sample of the mucus (coughed by the patient) to check whether the symptoms occur as a result of bacteria or virus. The ABG or arterial blood gases test is another laboratory test which includes the measurement of the CO₂ and oxygen levels in the blood. For performing this test, blood has to be drawn from any artery in the groin, arm or wrist. The results usually show how advanced the disease has become and whether the individual requires oxygen therapy or not.

Chronic bronchitis can also occur due to deficiency of AAT or alpha-antitrypsin, a protein which protects the lungs from the ailment. This deficiency is usually genetic and if an individual has a family history of the lung disorder, then the clinician might have to perform a blood test to check whether the body has enough AAT or not.

Treatment and Management

Treatment can only begin when the patient stops smoking or changes the professional conditions which have resulted in chronic bronchitis. Even in case of prevention, the best way to avoid chronic bronchitis is to not smoke at all. Smoking can result in a number of diseases which can include lung cancer and COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Smoking can even worsen the chronic bronchitis, decrease the body’s immunity to other ailments and shorten the life span. Moreover, any neighboring people who come in contact with the smoke are also at a risk of disease or illness. The physician should be asked for information regarding programs or medications which can help a person to quit smoking. The inhaled irritants, for example fumes, workplace dust or air pollution should be avoided.

If an individual lives in a polluted area, it is best to limit the exposure to the chemical irritants. Also, one should stay indoors when the pollution levels in the area are high. Indoor pollutants can be reduced by restricting or reducing the use of hair sprays, insecticides and aerosol deodorants.

Even with chronic bronchitis, there are chances that the patient can live a life which is as healthy as possible. This is done by maintaining a healthy environment, exercising the lungs, ensuring that good/nutritional fluids and foods are consumed and discuss with the physician what medications are best for the body and regularly consume them.