Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis is the irreversible condition where there is persistent inflammation of the airways of the lungs (bronchi) and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and raw (e.g. with smoking) and damages the small hairs that line the airway, and act as protection.

The lining produces mucous which can become infected, and whilst the most common cause is from smoking, bronchitis can stem from an irritant e.g. from a work environment, or following severe infections.

Symptoms that occur usually start with a cough that gradually becomes persistent and produces phlegm. Breathlessness and wheezing can follow especially following exercise, and can get progressively worse over a period of time. The damaged airways make more mucous than previously and tends to be coughed up.

Chest infections can become more common and the phlegm can turn from grey to yellow or green. Wheezing, coughing and breathlessness may worsen with a chest infection.

The majority of people who develop chronic bronchitis are smokers. It becomes classed as ‘COPD’ when the lung damage results in airflow restriction.

Useful contacts:

British Thoracic Society: http://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk