Bronchitis, Chronic
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Bronchitis, Chronic
| Name: Bronchitis, Chronic |
| Also known as: |
| Long term inflammation of the larger airways (bronchi) in the lungs. A form of chronic obstructive airways disease. |
Causes of Bronchitis, Chronic
Repeated attacks of acute bronchitis, long-standing allergies, or constant irritation of the bronchi by noxious gases, particularly those found in tobacco smoke (most common cause). |
Symptoms of Bronchitis, Chronic
Persistent moist cough, shortness of breath (particularly with exertion), constant tiredness, blue lips and swollen (' clubbed' ) finger tips. |
Tests for Bronchitis, Chronic
Thickened and scarred bronchi, and poor air entry to the lungs, show up quite markedly on a chest X-ray. |
Treatment for Bronchitis, Chronic
Physiotherapy, bronchodilators (medications to improve air flow), and antibiotics to treat any infection.
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Complications of Bronchitis, Chronic of its treatment
May progress to emphysema, and is sometimes associated with lung cancer. |
Likely Outcome of Bronchitis, Chronic
A semi-permanent condition for which there is no effective cure, but effective treatment can keep the condition under control for many years. |
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