Chronic bronchitis etiology

Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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The etiology of chronic bronchitis is not very clear at present, and it is now believed to be caused by the long-term interaction of various factors. The most closely related factors are harmful gases or particles that act on the respiratory tract for a long time, causing damage to some structures of the respiratory tract, such as cigarette smoke, fumes, dust, irritating gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, etc. These physicochemical factors cause damage to the airways. Additionally, some infectious agents, such as bacteria, mycoplasma, or viral infections, along with some immune-related factors, are believed to play a certain role in the development of chronic bronchitis.

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Written by Liu Xiao Li

Pulmonology

54sec

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Symptoms of chronic bronchitis

The symptoms of chronic bronchitis primarily include coughing, expectorating phlegm, or accompanied by wheezing. Coughing generally occurs mainly in the morning, with bouts of coughing or expectoration during sleep. The sputum is white, viscous, or serous foamy, and is more prevalent in the morning. Getting up or changing body position can stimulate expectoration. In patients with prominent wheezing symptoms, it is referred to as asthmatic bronchitis, and some may also develop bronchial asthma. However, the presence of emphysema can manifest as shortness of breath after labor or activity. If the condition persists for three months each year, for two consecutive years or more, it can be clinically diagnosed as chronic bronchitis.

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

41sec

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How to expectorate phlegm in chronic bronchitis

Coughing up phlegm is a common symptom of chronic bronchitis. When patients with chronic bronchitis experience coughing up phlegm, they can initially use medications to expel the phlegm. They may choose some expectorant medications or bronchodilators to help expel the phlegm. If the phlegm is thick and sticky, cough suppressants should be used with caution to avoid affecting the expulsion of phlegm. Additionally, drinking more water and having a lighter diet can also facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. Another method is to use turning and patting on the back to help expel the phlegm. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

2min 27sec

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Is chronic bronchitis treatable?

Chronic bronchitis exists, but before treating it, we must first have a correct understanding of the disease. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term illness that can have a slow onset and may last for decades, with the possibility of acute exacerbations throughout one's life. Moreover, there is no cure for chronic bronchitis yet. Currently, the treatment for patients with chronic bronchitis mainly depends on the stage of the disease and its symptoms. Most of the time, patients are in the remission phase. The primary treatment during this phase involves addressing risk factors. For instance, patients who smoke must quit smoking, as most patients experience significant relief from cough and phlegm after quitting. Additionally, patients with a history of dust exposure or harmful gas exposure should avoid further contact as much as possible. Furthermore, when the condition is stable, patients may engage in physical exercise to improve their physical condition and prevent colds. A small number of patients may experience respiratory infections and repeated aggravations, in which case, consider using immunomodulators or traditional Chinese medicine as adjunctive therapies. Patients with chronic bronchitis may experience acute exacerbations of their condition, meaning an increase in cough and phlegm, or the appearance of purulent sputum that is difficult to expectorate. In these cases, the main treatment method is still anti-infection therapy. Commonly used anti-infection medications include quinolones, macrolides, and cephalosporins. Some patients may experience frequent and severe cough and phlegm, and have difficulty expectorating the mucus. In such cases, mucolytic and cough suppressant medications are required for symptomatic treatment, commonly using drugs such as ambroxol, bromhexine, and eucalyptus menthol. A few patients may also experience wheezing, known as asthmatic bronchitis, which may require the use of anti-asthmatic medications such as aminophylline and various nebulized medications. (Note: The use of specific medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

43sec

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The difference between acute bronchitis and bronchitis

What is the difference between acute bronchitis and bronchitis? Generally speaking, in terms of the duration of the disease, bronchitis can be classified into acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a type of bronchitis. It is often caused by infections, physical and chemical factors, allergies, etc. Patients may experience fever, cough, and expectoration, and the duration usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. In the case of chronic bronchitis, the course of the disease is longer, with symptoms such as repeated coughing, expectoration, and wheezing, and the symptoms persist and do not improve.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

1min 31sec

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Chronic bronchitis chest X-ray manifestations

Patients with chronic bronchitis may have completely normal chest X-rays or lung CT scans in the early stages, meaning that if a patient exhibits symptoms of chronic bronchitis, such as coughing and expectorating for more than three months continuously or over two consecutive years, they can still be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis even if their chest X-ray appears normal. Additionally, as chronic bronchitis progresses over time, some patients may develop thickening of the bronchial walls or interstitial inflammation in the small bronchioles and alveoli, etc. These conditions can manifest on chest X-rays as coarse, disordered lung textures in a net-like or strip-like pattern, or as patchy shadows, which are generally more evident in the lower fields of both lungs. Observing these changes on a chest X-ray can assist in diagnosing chronic bronchitis. Furthermore, as the disease progresses, some patients with chronic bronchitis may develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary heart disease, and corresponding changes might be observable on chest X-rays. Additionally, patients with chronic bronchitis often experience acute exacerbations or concurrent infections, which may lead to patchy exudates visible on the chest wall.