Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a condition when repeated lung inflammation damages the lungs.  Chronic inflammation in the lungs causes scarring of the airways and excessive production of mucus that results in a chronic cough. Some call it a “smoker’s” cough.

As the lining of the airways becomes thickened and narrow/obstructed (due to the scarring) less air is moved in and out of the lungs. Air becomes trapped in the lungs and this limits the amount of air that you are able to breathe in with each breath.

If the inflammation continues and the cough becomes more regular (a daily event rather than just periods of coughing) this can progress to the point where shortness of breath is present. Chronic bronchitis can exist alone, before, or during emphysema.

COPD has no cure, yet there are treatments (see Treatment), along with the removal of irritants that will decrease the effects of COPD.

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