Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing, serious condition. It occurs if the lining of the bronchial tubes is constantly irritated and inflamed, causing a long-term cough with mucus. Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis.

Viruses or bacteria can easily infect the irritated bronchial tubes. If this happens, the condition worsens and lasts longer. As a result, people who have chronic bronchitis have periods when symptoms get much worse than usual.

Chronic bronchitis is a serious, long-term medical condition. Early diagnosis and treatment, combined with quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, can improve quality of life. The chance of complete recovery is low for people who have severe chronic bronchitis.

What else can I do to help my lungs?

Exercising regularly can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe. Try to exercise at least 3 times a week. Start by exercising slowly and for just a little while. Then slowly increase the time you exercise each day and how fast you exercise. For example, you might begin exercising by walking slowly for 15 minutes 3 times a week. Then, as you get in better shape, you can increase your walking speed. You can also increase the length of time you walk to 20 minutes, then 25 minutes, then 30 minutes. Ask your doctor for help creating an exercise plan that’s right for you.

An exercise program called pulmonary rehabilitation may help you improve your breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation is often given by a respiratory therapist (a health care worker who knows about lung treatments). Your doctor may refer you to the pulmonary rehabilitation program at your local hospital.

A breathing method called “pursed-lip breathing” may also help you. To do this, you take a deep breath and then breathe out slowly through your mouth while you hold your lips as if you’re going to kiss someone. Pursed-lip breathing slows down the fast breathing that often comes with chronic bronchitis. It may help you feel better.

Prevention

What can I do to help my breathing and reduce my coughing?

If you smoke, the most important thing you can do is to stop. The more smoke you breathe in, the more it damages your lungs. If you stop smoking, you’ll breathe better, you won’t cough as much and your lungs will begin to heal. You’ll also reduce your chance of getting lung cancer. Ask your doctor to help you stop smoking.

Try to avoid other things that can irritate your lungs, such as aerosol products like hairspray, spray deodorant and spray paint. Also avoid breathing in dust or chemical fumes. To protect your lungs, wear a mask over your nose and mouth if you are using paint, paint remover, varnish or anything else with strong fumes.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • How do you know what’s causing my chronic bronchitis?
  • What health risks are associated with chronic bronchitis?
  • Am I at risk for emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
  • What medicines will help relieve my symptoms?
  • What lifestyle changes should I make at home to help relieve my symptoms?
  • Is it safe for me to exercise? What kind of exercise should I do?
  • What vaccines do I need?

Content provided by the website for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov), and Chronic Bronchitis: Primary Care Management by JM Heath, MD; R Mongia, MD (American Family Physician May 15, 1998, http://www.aafp.org/afp/980515ap/heath.html)