What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi, which results in increased production of mucous, as well as other other changes.

To be classified as chronic bronchitis:

• cough and expectoration must occur most days for at least three months per year, for two years in a row.
• other causes of symptoms, such as tuberculosis or other lung diseases, must be excluded.

•  cough
• expectoration (spitting out) of mucus

• frequent and severe respiratory infections
• narrowing and plugging of the breathing tubes ( bronchi)
• difficult breathing
• disability

• lips and skin may appear blue
• abnormal lung signs
• swelling of the feet
• heart failure

Cigarette smoking is cited as the most common contributor to chronic bronchitis, followed by:

•  bacterial or viral infections
•  environmental pollution

• oral medications
• bronchodilators for inhaled medications
• oxygen supplementation from portable containers
• lung reduction surgery to remove damaged area of lung
• lung transplantation