Chronic Bronchitis

Do you have chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is caused by bronchial wall injury due to inflammation and mucus production, resulting in difficulties during inspiration and expiration. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Treatment for chronic bronchitis consists of bronchodilators, theophylline, and if necessary glucocorticosteroids. Patients can easily become cyanotic and are referred to as “blue bloaters” or "blue puffers."

Signs and symptoms also include:

• wheezing (difficulties during exhaling and inhaling)
• fatigue
• fever
• chills
• chest discomfort
• sinus congestion
• productive cough
• swelling in arms and legs, and distention of neck veins
• bad breath

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Related Pages

• Medical disorders
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Emphysema
• Oral Health Care Considerations
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Guidelines
  • Adrenal Insufficiency

References/Websites

• References
  • Labaki WW, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ann Int Med. 2020;173(3):ITC17-ITC32.
• Websites
  • Basics about COPD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 9, 2021
  • Bronchitis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
  • Chronic Bronchitis. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. June 16, 2021.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. June 23, 2021.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
  • Emphysema. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. June 16, 2021.
  • Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. 2020 GOLD Report.
  • Halpin D. GOLD COPD strategy: what’s new for 2021? Guidelines in practice. February 24, 2021.