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 Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Is chronic bronchitis hereditary?

The etiology of chronic bronchitis is not very clear at present. It is considered that many factors work over a long period to cause chronic bronchitis. The most common factors include long-term irritation from harmful gases and particles, such as cigarette smoke, smog, dust, irritating gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, etc., as well as infectious factors. There might also be a certain relationship with the occurrence of chronic bronchitis, but so far, no close relationship has been found between chronic bronchitis and genetics, and there is no evidence to prove that chronic bronchitis is a hereditary disease.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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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
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Does chronic bronchitis cause chest tightness?

Chronic bronchitis is commonly known as "old chronic bronchitis." Its main symptoms are coughing and expectoration. These symptoms are chronic and recurrent, and the onset is gradual. Coughing and expectoration are usually more pronounced in the morning and may consist of white, sticky phlegm or frothy sputum. Occasionally, there may be blood in the phlegm, but significant hemoptysis or chest pain generally does not occur. A small portion of chronic bronchitis patients may experience wheezing, which some of them might describe as chest tightness, meaning that chest tightness can occur in some chronic bronchitis patients. Those experiencing wheezing are referred to as having asthmatic bronchitis. Additionally, some patients may also have coexisting conditions like bronchial asthma or, in later stages, chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema, which can also lead to symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, or respiratory difficulty.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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COPD and chronic bronchitis differences

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also commonly referred to as chronic obstructive lung disease. It is a chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by inhalation of tobacco smoke, other types of smoke, harmful gases, or particulate irritants. This inflammation persists, eventually leading to structural changes in the airways, and symptoms such as coughing up phlegm and difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed primarily based on symptoms. Also known as chronic obstructive bronchitis, it is defined by symptoms of coughing, phlegm, or wheezing lasting more than three months per year and persisting for over two years, while excluding other diseases. There is a close connection between chronic bronchitis and COPD. If a patient with chronic bronchitis experiences worsening of their condition characterized by restricted airflow, as identified through pulmonary function tests indicating airflow limitation, they can then be diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. However, if a patient only exhibits symptoms of chronic bronchitis and maintains normal lung function, they cannot be diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease under such circumstances.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Does chronic bronchitis hurt?

Chronic bronchitis, commonly known as "chronic bronchitis", generally does not involve pain. The main symptoms of chronic bronchitis are coughing and expectorating phlegm, which may or may not be accompanied by wheezing. The coughing and expectorating in chronic bronchitis are typically long-term and gradual, with recurrent episodes. The symptoms are usually more pronounced in the morning, characterized by white, sticky phlegm, and generally do not involve chest pain or pain in other areas. If a patient with chronic bronchitis experiences pain in various parts of the body, it is typically considered that they might have other concurrent illnesses.