Chronic Bronchitis

Picture of chronic bronchitis

In chronic bronchitis, exposure to tobacco smoke and other lung irritants over time can lead to inflammation in the airways that deliver air into the lungs (bronchial tubes). As a result, the airways produce more mucus than they would normally. Inflammation and extra mucus reduce air flow and cause coughing. Mucus production and inflammation over many years may lead to progressive and permanent lung damage.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerR. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Last RevisedMarch 17, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: March 17, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology

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