SCRIPT NUMBER 156
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS - 2
(ONE SPEAKER)
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
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 and a
constant feeling of tiredness. The symptoms have persisted, and have worsened
with time. He has developed what doctors used to call chronic bronchitis.
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.
Today, I want to specifically talk about chronic bronchitis. In this aspect of COPD,
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 be productive of mucus, just as it did with Havika.
Other symptoms of chronic bronchitis may include chest pain, chronic tiredness,
and sometimes fevers with chills. The inflammation and its symptoms can last for
years, as long as the irritation remains.
Chronic bronchitis is a serious medical condition. 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 caused by the inflammation can interfere with our sleep. It can also lead to
fevers serious enough to require medical attention.
It is important for one to be aware of COPD, and about inflammation of the
breathing tubes in particular. 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 to
that, 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.
The most important risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis is smoking
cigarettes. Over 90 percent of patients with the disease 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 be present. Other risk factors include working around such lung
irritants as grains and chemical fumes.
Diagnosis of chronic bronchitis 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 the air out of your lungs.
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 exercise 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.
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.
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.