Chronic Bronchitis
Original Editors - Students from Glasgow Caledonian University's Cardiorespiratory Therapeutics Project.
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Lung Anatomy[edit | edit source]
http://www.cancer.gov/images/cdr/live/CDR466533-571.jpg
Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
Chronic Bronchitis (CB) is defined as a chronic cough and sputum production for at least 3 months a year for two consecutive years. [1] It is covered under the umbrella term of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The COPD spectrum ranges from Emphysema to Chronic bronchitis and it occurs when the airways become inflamed and the air sacs in your lungs are damaged. Emphysema occurs when your alveolar membrane breaks down where as CB is the inflammation and excessive mucus build-up in your bronchi. [2] Many patients have characteristics of both, putting them somewhere along the spectrum. [1]
File:Http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/what-is-COPD
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
COPD kills around 30,000 people per year in the UK alone and it is estimated that around 3 million people in the UK have COPD, 2 million of which are undiagnosed. [2] CB occurs in 3.4 to 22% of the US adults population and rates are even higher in patients with COPD.[1]The prevalence of the disease has a great impact on society and on the health care system around the world.
The primary risk factor for CB is smoking, and up to 25% of long-term smokers will go on to develop COPD. Other factors are long-term exposure to air pollution, fumes, and dust from the environment or work place. [2]
Aetiology[edit | edit source]
CB is caused by overproduction and hyper secretion of mucus by goblet cells, increasing airflow obstruction. You can also inherit COPD, the genetic marker is a deficiency in Alpha-1 antitrypsin which leads to emphysema.
As mentioned, smoking is the primary risk factor…
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The pathological foundation for CB is due to the over-production of mucus is in response to the inflammatory signals. In COPD patients this overproduction and hypersecretion is due to the goblet cells, and decreased elimination of mucus.[1] Mucus hypersecretion is one of the risk associated with cigarette smoke exposure, viral infactions, bacterial infactions, or inflammatory cell activation. [1]
Investigations[edit | edit source]
If a patient presents with some or all of the symptoms your doctor will follow up with some diagnostic tool such as Spirometry and X-ray.
Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]
The clinical presentation can be increased exacerbation rate, accelerated decline in lung function, worse health-related quality of life and increase in mortality. [1]
Common symptoms outline by the British Lung Foundation include:
-Wheezing, particularly breathing out
- Breathlessness when resting or active
- Tight chest
- Cough
- Producing more mucus or phlegm than usual
Physiotherapy and Other Management[edit | edit source]
The treatment of chronic bronchitis may include a variety of treatments including management through medications, education, physical exercise and respiratory exercises. The goal of the physiotherapist should involve education, improving exercise tolerances, reducing exacerbations and hospitalization, assist in sputum clearance and increase thoracic mobility and lung volume.
Education
Exercise
Postural Drainage
Active Cycle of Breathing
Autogenic Drainage
Percussion, Vibrations & Shaking
Self Management
Prevention[edit | edit source]
There is presently no cure for chronic bronchitis. However, with lifestyle changes, education and proper management it is possible to prevent exacerbations of the condition.
Stopping Smoking
Physical Fitness
Occupational Health
Avoiding Irritants
Practice Proper Hygiene
Education
Resources
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add appropriate resources here
Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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