Chronic Bronchitis Effects

Lungs are the respiratory organs of the human body. They contain tube like structures called the bronchial tubes or airways through which the air passes. When the airways are exposed to tobacco, dust, or other chemical substances for a long period of time, it is likely that a person may develop bronchitis.

There are two types of bronchitis, namely acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a milder form of bronchitis, mostly caused by virus or bacteria and goes away with or without minimal treatment. However, chronic bronchitis is a more severe disease which stays with a person for a long time, and is usually caused due to cigarette smoking.

It is also found in people who work in places where they come in contact with harmful substances like dust, chemical fumes, etc.

Besides this, people who are exposed to pollution in the environment and who have weak immune system are also at the risk of getting affected by this condition. As a result, these dangerous substances enter the respiratory system through breathing.

When this continues for many years, the bronchial tubes develop some kind of inflammation or irritation, leading to the development of thick mucus inside it. When airways get filled up with mucus, it blocks the passage of the air to the lungs, leading to chronic bronchitis.

It is also common to find this condition with other diseases like asthma, sinus, pulmonary emphysema, upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis.

Following are the effects of chronic bronchitis:

• The most common effect is excessive and continuous coughing. The person may go into bouts of coughing for a long time and may also spit mucus with it. The coughing may remain with the person for many months or even for a year.

• Since it is a respiratory disorder, the affected person experiences difficulty in breathing. This especially occurs when the person does some physical exercise or activities like climbing the stairs or even walking for a short distance. The chances of a person with chronic bronchitis getting affected by asthma are high.

• The lungs and airways of the affected person become weak. As a result, the individual becomes more susceptible to various other infections and ailments like fever. Moreover, a person with severe chronic bronchitis can also develop pneumonia though this is mostly seen in old people. Individuals who continue to smoke even after being diagnosed with this condition are vulnerable to developing lung cancer.

The effects of chronic bronchitis are serious; however, they can be cured with proper treatment. Medications such as bronchodilators, which are available in the form of inhalers, are used to treat the condition. Physicians may also prescribe other medicines like theophylline and steroids for this disease. However, one must remember that more than medicines, avoiding cigarette smoking totally would help in one's quick recovery.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.