chronic bronchitis

chron·ic bron·chi·tis

a condition of the bronchial tree characterized by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum over a long period of time, associated with frequent bronchial infections; usually due to inhalation, over a prolonged period, of air contaminated by dust or by noxious gases of combustion.

chronic bronchitis

A common condition, most common in middle-aged men, which is more often related to cigarette smoke than to air pollutants (e.g., NO2, SO2). Chronic bronchitis is often complicated by bacterial (e.g., H influenzae, S pneumoniae)  or viral (e.g., RSV) infections.

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.

chron·ic bron·chi·tis

(kron'ik brong-kī'tis)

A condition of the bronchial tree characterized by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum over a long period, associated with frequent bronchial infections; usually due to smoking.

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

chron·ic bron·chi·tis

(kron'ik brong-kī'tis)

Disorder of the bronchial tree characterized by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum over a long period of time, associated with frequent bronchial infections; usually due to inhalation, over a prolonged period, of air contaminated by dust or by noxious gases of combustion.

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.