SCRIPT NUMBER 156
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS - 2
(TWO SPEAKERS)
PROGRAM NAME: HEALTH NUGGETS
PROGRAM TITLE:
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS - 2
PROGRAM NUMBER: 156
SUBJECT: CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, PREVENTION OF
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
KEY WORDS: EMPHYSEMA, ASTHMA, CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD), INFLUENZA,
PNEUMOCOCCUS
DATE OF SCRIPT: MARCH 21, 2014
AUTHOR: RICHARD YUKL, MD, FACS
SPEAKER 1:
Havika is a Buddhist monk living in the northern part of Laos,
where nearly half of all men smoke cigarettes. He has faithfully followed proper
guidelines of behavior his entire life, but since there is no Buddhist prohibition
against smoking, he has smoked regularly for the past twenty years. Several
years ago, Havika developed an irritating cough productive of yellowish mucus,
along with chest pains a constant feeling of tiredness. The symptoms have
persisted, and have worsened with time. He has developed what doctors used to
called chronic bronchitis.
SPEAKER 2:
Chronic bronchitis - an inflammation of one’s breathing
tubes, along with emphysema and asthma - inflammation the lungs themselves,
have all recently been renamed chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or
COPD. The inflammation found in these diseases is the body’s defense against
exposure to an irritating substance for long periods of time.
SPEAKER 1:
What problems does inflammation of the breathing tubes
cause?
SPEAKER 2:
Inflammation of the cells that line the breathing tubes causes
the tubes to swell, interfering with one’s ability to breathe air into and out of their
lungs. It also causes a cough that may produce mucus, just as it did with Havika.
SPEAKER 1:
Is chronic bronchitis serious?
SPEAKER 2:
Yes. Swelling that prevents air from flowing freely into our
lungs can make us feel miserable, cause us to have shortness of breath, and
cause severe wheezing as we breathe. The productive cough can interfere with
our sleep. It can also lead to fevers serious enough to require medical attention.
SPEAKER 1:
Just how dangerous is COPD and chronic bronchitis in
particular?
SPEAKER 2:
The World Health Organization estimates that, worldwide,
COPD in all of its forms affects 64 million people, and that it kills 3 million people
every year - that’s one person every 10 seconds! It will soon become the third
leading cause of death around the world. Half of all people who develop chronic
bronchitis will die of the disease within ten years. In addition, people with the
condition often suffer severe limitation of their lifestyle. As an example, they may
have to struggle to get enough air just to do simple tasks such as to walking up
short flights of stairs.
SPEAKER 1:
What are the risk factors for my developing chronic
bronchitis?
SPEAKER 2:
Smoking cigarettes is the most important risk factor. Over 90
percent of patients with chronic bronchitis have a smoking history, as does
Havika. Air pollution, dust and poisonous gases in the environment or workplace
are other important risk factors. Chronic bronchitis can develop in people who
have previously had normal breathing tubes, but who have suffered repeated
infections by the viruses that cause the common cold or influenza. At the least,
these repeated infections will worsen symptoms of chronic bronchitis that may
already exist. Other risk factors include working around such lung irritants as
grains and chemical fumes.
SPEAKER 1:
How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?
SPEAKER 2:
Diagnosis is made by a test in which you blow into a
machine that measures how much air your lungs can hold, and how quickly you
can push air out of your lungs.
SPEAKER 1:
What will cure me if I develop chronic bronchitis?
SPEAKER 2:
Chronic bronchitis is preventable, but unfortunately, it cannot
be cured once you have it. The disease process will worsen over time even
though treatment can help to slow its progression. Treatment focuses on
relieving symptoms and making breathing easier. If you smoke, you must stop.
You will be taught how to change your breathing patterns to allow more air to
reach your lungs. Such a breathing program will improve your tolerance for
physical activity. You will also be taught how to use warm, moist air to help
relieve your cough and loosen mucus in your breathing tubes. You will be
advised to wear a facemask when you are exposed to air that is polluted or when
you are exposed to irritants such as paint or household cleaners, which give off
strong fumes. If cold air worsens your cough and increases your shortness of
breath, you will be instructed to wear a facemask when going outdoors.
Your doctor may prescribe medicines you can breathe in through your nose to
reduce inflammation and open the swollen passages to your lungs. He may also
prescribe antibiotics to reduce your risk of a serious, secondary bacterial
infection. Cough medicines that you can buy without a prescription may be
helpful if coughing disturbs your sleep, but because coughing helps remove
irritants from your lungs and breathing tubes, it's best not to stop a cough that
effectively brings up mucus.
SPEAKER 1:
How can I keep from developing chronic bronchitis?
SPEAKER 2:
God created our lungs as a delicate mechanism that allows
our body to absorb the oxygen it needs to work efficiently. Once a disease such
as chronic bronchitis damages that delicate mechanism, no treatment can fully
repair the damage. The smartest thing we can do is to consciously work at
reducing our risk of developing chronic bronchitis in the first place. Follow these
recommendations: Avoid smoking cigarettes. Smoking significantly increases
one’s risk of developing chronic bronchitis. It is an addiction that is difficult to
break, so, if you smoke, look for a local public health department or a church in
your area that conducts “Stop Smoking” classes to help you quit. Havika found
such a program, and his symptoms have improved. Next, wash your hands with
soap before eating. That will kill the viruses that cause the repeated colds and
pneumonia that can result in chronic bronchitis. Finally, get vaccinated against
influenza and Pneumococcus, the organisms that are the most frequent cause of
lung infections.
SPEAKER 1:
Health Nuggets is written by Dr. Richard Yukl, a medical
doctor working in the United States. The medical views expressed in this
program are his and may differ for your particular health needs. If you need
medical advice, please consult a medical professional in your area.