chronic bronchitis

bronchitis /bron·chi·tis/ (brong-ki´tis) inflammation of one or more bronchi.bronchit´ic

---

acute bronchitis  a short, severe attack of bronchitis, with fever and a productive cough.

chronic bronchitis  a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with bronchial irritation, increased secretions and a productive cough lasting at least three months, two years in a row.

fibrinous bronchitis  bronchitis with violent cough, paroxysmal dyspnea, and expectoration of bronchial casts containing Charcot-Leyden crystals.

bronchitis obli´terans  that in which the smaller bronchi become filled with nodules composed of fibrinous exudate.

pseudomembranous bronchitis  fibrinous b.

---

chronic bronchitis

n.

Inflammation of the bronchial mucous membrane, characterized by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum over a long period of time and associated with increased vulnerability to bronchial infection.

---

Chronic bronchitis

A smoking-related respiratory illness in which the membranes that line the bronchi, or the lung's air passages, narrow over time. Symptoms include a morning cough that brings up phlegm, breathlessness, and wheezing.

Mentioned in: Smoking

---

chronic bronchitis,

a very common, debilitating pulmonary disease, characterized by greatly increased production of mucus by the glands of the trachea and bronchi and resulting in a cough with expectoration for at least 3 months of the year for more than 2 consecutive years.

observations The condition has a strong association with smoking. Productive cough and chronic inflammation, often with wheezing or rhonchi, are universal features, followed by progressive dyspnea on exertion, repeated purulent respiratory infections, airway narrowing and obstruction, and often respiratory failure. Cor pulmonale with right ventricular heart failure is a common result. In some patients secondary polycythemia results from chronic hypoxemia. Prolonged expiratory phase, prominent cough, cyanosis, and acute attacks of respiratory distress with rapid, labored respirations may result. Common laboratory findings include elevated hematocrit, with or without respiratory acidosis; abnormal liver function caused by right-sided heart failure and hepatic congestion; pathogenic bacteria in the sputum; abnormal pulmonary function test results; and often chest x-ray signs of increased bronchial markings.

interventions Patients with chronic bronchitis should be immunized against influenza and pneumococcal infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually prescribed during acute exacerbations of symptoms. Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, and sympathomimetic drugs, such as terbutaline and metaproterenol, are prescribed to prevent worsening of the condition. Adrenergics and anticholinergics, like albuterol and Atrovent, are used to maintain lung function. Heart failure is managed with appropriate medication.

nursing considerations The nurse encourages the patient to discontinue smoking and to avoid exposure to toxic inhalants, such as hair sprays, aerosol insecticides, and occupational irritants and poisons. The use of low-flow oxygen in the home requires patient/family education and monitoring. Exercise, especially walking, is often indicated. See also asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale, emphysema, respiratory failure.

---

chronic bronchitis

Pulmonary medicine A common condition that is more common in middle-aged men, which is often related to cigarette smoke, less often to air pollutants–eg, NO₂, SO₂; CB is often complicated by bacterial–eg H influenzae, S pneumoniae or viral–eg RSV infections. See COPD, Emphysema. Cf Panlobular emphysema.

---

Patient discussion about chronic bronchitis.

Q. What is the difference between Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis? They recently diagnosed me with Asthma and have me on two types of inhalers. I really think it's Chronic Bronchitis and their diagnosis is wrong... What symptoms distinguish these two ailments from each other? (I'm 42 and lived with a smoker for 25 years)

A. Here is all you need to know to see if you got the wrong diagnosis (although I doubt it ..), it’s from a very good web site called “wrong diagnosis”. Chronic Bronchitis:
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/c/chronic_bronchitis/intro.htm
Asthma:
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/a/asthma/intro.htm

Q. What other illnesses are similar to asthma? I am 45 years old. My doctor suspects I might have adult asthma but there has yet been a final diagnosis made. What other problems might this be?

A. Before diagnosing someone as asthmatic, alternative possibilities should be considered. A clinician taking a history should check whether the patient is using any known bronchoconstrictors (substances that cause narrowing of the airways, e.g., certain anti-inflammatory agents or beta-blockers). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which closely resembles asthma, is correlated with more exposure to cigarette smoke, an older patient, and decreased likelihood of family history of atopy. Your physician should examine these possibilities as well before diagnosing.