Chronical bronchitis

Chronical bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi that lasts more than 3 months a year for 2 years. Chronic bronchitis is one of the most common causes of disability in working age people.

Causes

Chronic bronchitis most often occurs after acute inflammation. It can develop in those who often suffer from colds affecting the bronchi. Under the influence of risk factors, such as smoking, increased air dust, chronic bronchitis can develop gradually.

In acute bronchitis, the bronchial mucosa usually suffers. In chronic bronchitis, deeper layers are often affected, as well as the connective tissue membrane of the bronchi and lung tissue.

Symptoms

Main symptoms:

1. Cough, especially in the morning, with sputum production
2. Shortness of breath, first with exertion, then at rest
3. Exacerbations alternating with periods of remission

Complications

Chronic bronchitis can be complicated by:

1. Chronic pneumonia
2. Pneumosclerosis
3. Emphysema

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made by a general practitioner or pulmonologist after observation for at least 2 years. For diagnosis the following is carried out:

1. Chest X-ray
2. Blood analysis
3. Sputum examination
4. Pulmonary function test
5. Bronchoscopy

Treatment

Treatment includes:

1. Antibiotics and other antibacterial drugs during exacerbations
2. Mucolytics, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs
3. To give up smoking
4. Breathing exercises and physical therapy

Chronic bronchitis is difficult to treat. The main goal is to prevent exacerbations and slow the progression of the disease.