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What Is Chronic Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchi, two large tubes that carry air from your windpipe to your lungs. Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. Chronic bronchitis can occur in nonsmokers as well. Other risk factors for the condition include:
Heavy exposure to industrial dust and fumes in the workplace, indoor air pollution, secondhand smoke, and other air pollutantsLong-term uncontrolled asthmaFrequent childhood respiratory infections
Frequent coughingA cough that produces a lot of mucusWheezingA whistling or squeaky sound when you breatheShortness of breath, especially during exerciseTightness in your chestFrequent respiratory infections, which worsen symptomsFatigueBluish fingernails, lips, and skin (due to lower oxygen levels)Swollen feet
The symptoms of chronic bronchitis may look like other lung conditions or health problems, so it’s important to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Physical Exam This will include using a stethoscope to listen for wheezing or other unusual chest sounds. Spirometry This is a test that evaluates lung function. Your doctor will ask you to take a deep breath and blow as hard as you can into a tube that is hooked up to a machine that measures how much air you exhale and how fast. Pulse Oximetry An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. To get this measurement, a small sensor is taped or clipped onto your finger, toe, earlobe, or forehead. Chest X-Ray or Computed Tomography Scan These tests create pictures of the heart and lungs that can show signs of chronic bronchitis or indicate whether your symptoms are caused by another health issue, such as a heart problem. Arterial Blood Gas Test This is a blood test that is used to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. It can help determine if you need oxygen therapy. RELATED: What Are the Four Stages of COPD and the Gold System for Grading?
Bronchodilator Medications These drugs, administered through handheld inhalants or nebulizer machines, relax the muscles around the airways.Steroids and Anti-Inflammatory Medications These medications reduce inflammation in the airways.Oxygen Therapy If your lungs are not getting enough oxygen to your blood (hypoxemia), your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen, which involves getting additional oxygen from a tank through nasal prongs or a mask.Pulmonary Rehabilitation This combination of fitness training, breathing exercises, and nutrition counseling is individually tailored to your COPD. The goal of these programs is to help you stay active and carry out your everyday activities.
There are also lifestyle measures you can take to feel better and keep your chronic bronchitis from getting worse. Helpful steps to take:
Stop Smoking This is the most important way to improve symptoms and avoid further damage to your airways. “Once you’ve lost lung function, you can’t get it back,” says Michael G. Simoff, MD, a pulmonologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “But when you stop smoking, your bronchitis symptoms will improve. You’ll do better all around.”Avoid Other Lung Irritants Smoking isn’t the only thing that exacerbates chronic bronchitis. Also avoid secondhand smoke, exhaust fumes, strong perfumes, cleaning products, paint/varnish, excessive dust, and pollution. “A simple [disposable] mask can protect you when you’re in situations where you’re exposed to dust, fumes, or other irritants in the air,” says Dr. Simoff.Get Vaccinated Staying up to date on vaccinations, including those for COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia, can help prevent chest infections, which can be dangerous — even life-threatening — for people with chronic bronchitis.
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