Chronic Mucus

Chronic bronchitis refers to inflammation and infection of the lungs and mucous membranes, causing an overproduction of mucus. Excessive production of mucus in the airways is the body's inflammatory response to irritation and infection of the bronchi. Excess mucus disturbs the process of breathing by reducing the amount of air that is normally received by the lungs. Common symptoms of chronic bronchitis are: productive cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and discomfort and wheezing.

Chronic bronchitis generates recurrent, persistent symptoms time increase as the disease progresses. The main characteristics of chronic bronchitis is a productive cough, increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral respiratory tract and low responsiveness to medical treatment. Chronic bronchitis usually lasts up to three months and recurs regularly during the period of two years or more. In the moment, there is no specific treatment for chronic bronchitis.

Unlike patients suffering from acute bronchitis, patients with chronic forms of the disease does not respond well to treatment with antibiotics. Excessive production of mucus in the lungs facilitates the proliferation of bacteria and other infectious microorganisms, thus contributing to the progression of the disease. At the scene of repeated infections and compromises the natural defenses of the respiratory system (barriers eyelashes), antibiotics are often ineffective in completely overcome chronic bronchitis. Thus, the treatment of chronic bronchitis is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing existing development of further complications.

In the initial stage of the disease, symptoms of chronic bronchitis are usually collected in the morning or at night. In a more advanced stage of chronic bronchitis, all respiratory tract becomes inflamed and clogged with mucus, generating intense, persistent cough. This type of recurrence, a very productive cough is commonly referred to as "smoker's cough". As the disease progresses, people with chronic bronchitis also experience lung problems and they are at risk of developing serious lung disease (pneumonia, emphysema). In time, people suffering from chronic bronchitis may suffer from poor blood oxygenation and hypoventilation (shallow, fast breathing). complicated forms of chronic bronchitis may also involve cyanosis as a result of poor oxygenation of the lungs. Cyanosis (bluish appearance of the skin) usually indicates the presence of emphysema or pneumonia.

Although smoking alone can not be regarded as the cause of chronic bronchitis, the disease has the highest incidence in smokers. Smoking contributes greatly to the growth of bacteria and slows the healing of tissues and respiratory organs. Chronic bronchitis is often associated with asthma as well. Patients with chronic bronchitis who also have asthma are much less sensitive and specific treatments that are common to symptomatic relapse. Sometimes, chronic bronchitis may be the consequence of untreated or mistreated acute bronchitis or other respiratory diseases. The chronic forms of bronchitis can also be developed by people who are regularly exposed to irritants in air as dust, chemicals and pollutants.


More information about asthmatic bronchitis or bronchitis symptoms can be f.