Davidson County
Health Department
HEALTH TO YOU A – Z
INFORMATION SHEET
Bronchitis, Chronic
What is Chronic Bronchitis?
Your bronchial tubes carry air to and from your trachea (windpipe) to your lungs. Bronchitis is
inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes causing increased mucus production and cough.
Chronic bronchitis is different from acute bronchitis (see Health To You A – Z, Acute Bronchitis).
Chronic bronchitis is defined as a cough with mucus production that lasts for at least 3 months and
occurs 2 years in a row. The number one cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Other
causes are inhaled irritants such as secondhand smoke, dust, chemicals and other irritants that are
repeatedly inhaled by the person who has developed the chronic form of bronchitis. The majority
of cases of chronic bronchitis can be prevented by not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke,
avoidance of irritants and chemicals, getting proper vaccinations and asthma prevention. Chronic
bronchitis is progressive, meaning it will worsen over time, but when diagnosed early, and
avoidance of irritants can lead to many years of a good outcome. Chronic bronchitis is one of the
conditions of COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (see Health To You A – Z, COPD).
What are the symptoms of it?
 Labored breathing during physical activity or even when resting
 Chronic coughing that produces mucus or phlegm
 Chest pain and soreness
 Shortness of breath, you breathe harder, but still feel like you are running out of air
 Wheezing
 More frequent lung infections like pneumonia
When should you see your health care provider?
 A person that has been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis should have a medical provider
that he/she feels comfortable with. A close relationship between a patient with chronic
bronchitis and doctor is very important.
 Fever above 100.5 or whatever the medical provider has instructed
 Increased shortness of breath
 Increased coughing with mucus/phlegm. Mucus that changes colors, especially bloody
 Increased fatigue
How is the chronic bronchitis treated?
 Stopping cigarette smoking and reducing irritants as much as possible
 Increasing fluids to thin the mucus/phlegm
 Medication to reduce coughing and wheezing
 Oxygen therapy as needed
PO Box 439, Lexington, NC 27293
(336) 242-2300
www.dchdnc.com