Chronic Bronchitis

In the later stages of the disease, shortness of breath also occurs along with cough.

Mucous secretions are often infected and the patient must take antibiotics.

Although the patient usually feels better with the use of bronchodilators, in some cases, the narrowing of the airways in chronic bronchitis is irreversible.

Chronic bronchitis is usually diagnosed by a careful evaluation of the medical history (especially regarding smoking), and physical examination of the patient.

Airway obstruction is determined by spirometry.

A chest radiograph of a person with chronic bronchitis may appear normal in appearance, although longitudinal shadows can sometimes be seen in the lungs.

The treatment of chronic bronchitis is to widen the airways as much as possible and treat the infection. Smoking must be stopped to prevent further damage.

Frequent coughing, or consecutive coughing attacks, shortness of breath, thick phlegm and difficulty in emptying it by coughing. The amount and production of sputum varies depending on the presence or absence of infection.

Repeated irritation or infection of the bronchial tubes, which causes the bronchial tubes to thicken, the space inside them, which is where air passes, narrows, and their elasticity decreases. Irritants include allergens, air pollution, and cigarette smoke

Smoking (biggest risk factor) 
Any lung disease that reduces resistance. 
Family history of tuberculosis or other respiratory diseases
Exposure to air pollution
Improper nutrition
Obesity
Living in a crowded household or neighborhood

do not smoke Smoking is the most important risk factor that can be avoided. 
Avoid exposure to irritating fumes or vapors in the environment. 
In case of respiratory infection, see your doctor immediately.

Chronic bronchitis usually gets better with treatment, unless you are a smoker and don’t have an underlying chronic disease such as congestive heart failure, bronchiectasis, or tuberculosis. 
If you are a smoker and don’t quit, or have an underlying chronic disease, chronic bronchitis usually reduces life expectancy.

Recurrent pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is incurable. Its characteristics include chronic shortness of breath, purple lips and nails, and finally the need to use oxygen

 Many lung and heart diseases have symptoms similar to those of chronic bronchitis. With the help of diagnostic tests, these diseases can be rejected and diagnosed. 
With treatment, the disease will not be cured, but the symptoms of the disease will be alleviated and complications will be prevented. 
 Quit smoking. 
If you live or work in a place where air pollution is severe, avoid or reduce it as much as possible. Think about changing your job and installing an air conditioning system with filters and humidity control in your home. 
Avoid exposure to sudden temperature changes or cold and humid weather. 
 If things like shouting, laughing loudly, crying, and physical activity trigger coughing fits, avoid them. 
 Learn and practice the technique of bronchial evacuation and deep breathing. 
 Raise the front legs of the bed about 12.5 cm.

Do not use antitussives; These drugs make chronic bronchitis worse. 
Antibiotics to fight chronic or recurrent infection
Expectorants to soften and dilute secretions
Bronchodilators to open bronchial tubes
Depending on the case, drugs may be prescribed to treat depression or severe anxiety.

If you or a member of your family have symptoms of chronic bronchitis. 
If fever or vomiting occurs. 
If blood appears in the sputum. 
If the chest pain increases. 
If you have shortness of breath even at rest or when you are not coughing. 
If the sputum thickens despite trying to thin it.