11/12/2025
Educational information from Westwood Rural Health Clinic. We tend to think sometimes we will get to feeling better and put off going to be seen. Here is an example of an illness that if not treated will get worse and create long-term issues.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
Chronic bronchitis is a constant inflammation or irritation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. When the airways are irritated, more mucous is produced. The mucous plugs the airways and makes breathing more difficult. Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Other substances, if inhaled over a long time, such as aerosol sprays, dust, or chemical fumes, can also lead to chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis, along with emphysema, is a condition included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Symptoms may include:
⦁ Shortness of breath with less and less activity
⦁ Tight feeling in the chest
⦁ Cough that does not go away
⦁ Coughing up mucus which may me clear, white, yellowish, or green
⦁ Wheezing
What your doctor can do:
⦁ Ask about your symptoms and medical history, especially about any history of smoking or exposure to chemicals
⦁ Perform a physical exam
⦁ Order blood tests and pulmonary function tests to see how well your lungs are working
⦁ Order a chest x-ray to look for other conditions which may be causing your symptoms
⦁ Order medications such as bronchodilators to help open the airways, antibiotics if you also have a lung infection, and supplemental oxygen if bronchitis is severe
⦁ Refer you to a pulmonary rehabilitation program - a program in which a respiratory therapist will help you learn to breathe more easily
What you can do:
⦁ Stop smoking. It is the single most important thing you can do. Ask your doctor if you need help quitting. There are many possible aids if you are ready to stop.
⦁ Avoid anyone with a cold, flu, or respiratory infection of any kind.
⦁ Have an influenza vaccine yearly and a one-time pneumonia vaccine
⦁ Avoid air pollution, aerosols, and anything that may cause irritation to the airways
⦁ Use air conditioning to control humidity and temperature. Change the filter often.
⦁ Drink plenty of clear fluids to help loosen mucous, making it easier to cough out.
⦁ Begin an exercise program. Start slowly with 10-15 minutes three times a week.
⦁ Eat smaller, more frequent, and well-balanced meals.
⦁ Learn purse-lipped breathing.
⦁ Pace yourself and rest often.
What you can expect:
⦁ In chronic bronchitis, the damage to the lungs cannot be reversed, but you can prevent it from becoming any worse if you follow your treatment plan.
⦁ Possible complications include frequent and more severe lung infections that may become life threatening.
Contact your doctor if you show signs of infection such as increased shortness of breath; increased mucous or mucous that is thicker, colored or blood-streaked; high fever with chills; chest pain; or vomiting.
