Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic bronchitis

Your doctor may say that you have chronic bronchitis if:

Source:
American Thoracic Society.
Standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ATS statement
Am J Respir Care Med. 1995;152(suppl):77-120.

You have a cough that brings up mucus
The cough lasts for three months or more
You get this kind of cough (one that that brings up mucus and lasts at least three months) at least twice in two years.

Here's what happens if you have chronic bronchitis:

Source:
American Thoracic Society
Patient education online. What is COPD?
Available at: http://www-test.thoracic.org/COPD/18/anatomy.asp (accessed on 27 February 2006)

The airways in your lungs are swollen and they get irritated easily (they're

inflammation
If your skin or some other part of your body becomes red, swollen, hot or sore, we say it is inflamed. It means that your body is trying to protect you from germs, from something in your body tissues that can hurt you (like a thorn or sliver), or from things that cause allergies (allergens). Inflammation is part of the way the body heals an infection or injury.

inflamed)
Because they're irritated, your airways make extra mucus
It's harder for you to breathe because the extra mucus clogs up your airways
All that sticky mucus in your breathing tubes keeps the tiny hairs in your airways (the cilia) from doing their job. They can't sweep dirt and germs out of your lungs because the mucus keeps them from moving very well
bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.

Bacteria or

viruses
Viruses are microbes (tiny organisms) that need the cells of humans or other animals to exist. They use the machinery of cells to reproduce. Then they spread to other cells in the body.

viruses from the air you breathe can get trapped in the mucus. That can lead to

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

infections, which can make the bronchitis worse. To find out more, see What are the symptoms of COPD?

The word chronic in chronic bronchitis means that you have had the condition for a long time. This is different from acute bronchitis, which lasts just a few days or weeks.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection. When the infection clears up, the swelling in your lungs goes down and your breathing improves.

If you have chronic bronchitis, your lungs are always swollen, and there is always too much mucus in your airways.

Sources for the information on this page:

American Thoracic Society.Standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ATS statementAm J Respir Care Med. 1995;152(suppl):77-120.

American Thoracic SocietyPatient education online. What is COPD?Available at: http://www-test.thoracic.org/COPD/18/anatomy.asp (accessed on 27 February 2006)

This information was last updated on Jul 14, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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