Can chronic bronchitis be treated?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Chronic bronchitis, commonly known as "chronic obstructive bronchitis," is treatable. The primary symptoms of chronic bronchitis are coughing and expectoration. If the disease occurs for more than three months each year, for two consecutive years, while excluding other organic diseases, chronic bronchitis can be diagnosed. Treatment for chronic bronchitis is divided into two parts. During acute exacerbations, which typically present with worsened coughing and expectoration, increased sputum volume, or the presence of purulent sputum and possibly accompanied by wheezing and fever, the main treatment is anti-infection. The primary medications for anti-infection are antimicrobial drugs, which include macrolides, quinolones, cephalosporins, etc. Additionally, treatment can be aimed at alleviating symptoms of coughing and expectoration and might include expectorants and cough suppressants, such as ambroxol. For wheezing, medications like aminophylline or nebulized treatments may be necessary. Most of the time, patients with chronic bronchitis are in a remission phase. The primary treatment here initially involves addressing known triggers, such as insisting smokers quit and minimizing exposure to dust or harmful gases at work. Chronic bronchitis patients are encouraged to exercise moderately, strengthen their physique, and prevent colds. For patients who experience repeated respiratory infections, vaccination or immune modulators, such as BCG, may be considered. Always follow a physician’s guidance regarding specific medication use.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
2min 27sec home-news-image

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
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Differences between acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis

Generally speaking, acute bronchitis has a sudden onset, with patients often experiencing symptoms such as fever, coughing, and coughing up phlegm, and some patients may have wheezing. With effective treatment, recovery usually occurs within two to three weeks. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, typically has a longer course of illness with recurring symptoms, including coughing, coughing up phlegm, chest tightness, and wheezing. The duration of the illness often exceeds two years, with episodes typically lasting more than three months each year.

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Written by Liu Xiao Li
Pulmonology
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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Chronic Bronchitis Nursing Measures

Chronic bronchitis is a chronic inflammation of the respiratory system, which tends to be prolonged and recurrent. For those suffering from this disease, it is primarily important to quit smoking, which is a crucial preventive measure against acute attacks of chronic bronchitis. It is also essential to control occupational or environmental pollution to avoid the irritation of harmful gases such as dust and smoke. Additionally, it is advisable to strengthen the body through regular exercise, enhance immunity, and increase cold resistance. It is recommended to wash the face with cold water all year round to enhance the skin's ability to prevent and fight diseases. During the flu season, getting a flu vaccine to prevent the onset of a cold, reinforcing dietary hygiene, and enhancing health education is also advised.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Chronic bronchitis auscultation characteristics

Most patients with chronic bronchitis, for the most part, show no abnormalities upon lung auscultation. This means their breath sounds are relatively clear, without diminished or enhanced breath sounds, nor any dry or wet rales typically heard. This is the case for the majority of patients; however, a small number of patients during acute exacerbations might present with some dry or wet rales at the back or the base of the lungs. Moreover, these rales may disappear after the patient coughs, indicating that in chronic bronchitis, the sounds heard upon auscultation can change and are not constantly present. You might hear dry or wet rales one moment, and after the patient coughs or receives treatment, these sounds could potentially alleviate. Additionally, if a patient with chronic bronchitis starts to wheeze or develops asthma, they might exhibit sounds such as wheezing or prolonged expiration.