What is Chronic Bronchitis?
Normal Airway
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a chronic cough and chronic mucus production without another known cause (such as infection). Cells that line the airways in the lungs normally produce mucus as part of the bodies’ defense mechanism against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles. The mucus traps these particles and tiny hair-like projections in the airways (called cilia) sweep the dirty mucus up and out of the lungs.
In chronic bronchitis, more mucus than normal is constantly produced. This causes a build-up of excess mucus that the cilia are unable to clear from the lungs. Exacerbating this is the fact that the cilia become dysfunctional and are less efficient at expelling mucus from the lungs. The build-up of mucus narrows the airways and provides havens for bacteria to thrive leading to more frequent and serious lung infections, and even more mucus production.
The hallmark symptoms of chronic bronchitis are:
- Chronic cough
- Mucus Production
- Shortness of breath
The primary cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking cigarettes.
Are you, or is someone you care about suffering from chronic cough and / or shortness of breath? National Jewish can help. Learn more about National Jewish's clinical COPD program .
Learn more facts about chronic bronchitis from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
This information has been approved by Russel Bowler, MD, PhD (March 2006).
