Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by the chronic inflammation of the bronchi or airways in the lungs. Clinical definition points to persistent coughing that produce phlegm and mucus for a period lasting at least 3 months in two consecutive years.

This is infectious and can worsen over time because it will not go away on its own. The patient just becomes more open to infections that make it worse for the immune system. The lungs get damaged and the condition just worsens through the years. It could be life threatening.

There are about 12 million Americans that have chronic bronchitis and another 12 million may not know yet that they it. It mostly affects adults 45 years above. It has been found out that among those with chronic bronchitis, men have a higher mortality rate than women.

Due to its being a serious and long-term health problem, patients with chronic bronchitis are required to go through regular medical treatments from their doctors. It is the most common chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or COPD, which affects about 14 to 15 million people in the United States alone.

There is no accurate data on worldwide prevalence of the disease, but it is likely higher since over 12 billion people around the world are either smoking or exposed to smoking.

A patient with chronic bronchitis develops bad coughs in order to release the excess mucus that has built in the bronchi. There is buildup because of the inflammation of the membranes that line the bronchi or airways. This condition sometimes leads to pneumonia.