Asthma and Respiratory Care
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis occurs when you have long-term swelling and irritation in the airways of your lungs. We offer advanced treatments to help you breathe better.
Medically reviewed by Brooks Kuhn, M.D. on April 16, 2024.
Specialized Clinic to Treat Chronic Bronchitis
If you have chronic bronchitis, you’ll need expert treatment. At the UC Davis Comprehensive COPD Clinic, our specialists know how to help you breathe easier.
To receive a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, you must have had the condition for at least three months within a two-year period.
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What Is Chronic Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a swelling of the airways (bronchial tubes) that bring air in and out of your lungs. These tubes become irritated and inflamed.
The irritation causes excess mucus to build up in your airways. Having the combination of swelling and mucus for a long time makes breathing more difficult.
Unlike bronchitis or acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is not the result of a respiratory infection. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
The longer your airways are inflamed and filled with mucus, the more severe your symptoms can become.
Common Symptoms
A wet cough (one that produces mucus) is the most common symptom of chronic bronchitis. Other symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain (from prolonged coughing)
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Blue-tinged lips, fingernails or skin (from lack of oxygen circulating in the blood)
- Shortness of breath making it more difficult to speak
- High fever
Causes of Chronic Bronchitis
Most people who have chronic bronchitis also have COPD. Causes of both conditions include:
Smoking
Smoking is the number one cause of chronic bronchitis.
Pollution
Exposure to air pollution and other lung irritants (such as secondhand smoke, chemical fumes or dust) can lead to chronic bronchitis.
Genetics
A family history of COPD or other lung diseases, such as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, may increase your risk of chronic bronchitis.
Diagnosing Chronic Bronchitis
Your provider will do a physical exam and listen to your heart and lungs. To accurately diagnose chronic bronchitis, they may do other tests to assess how well your lungs work.
Tests for chronic bronchitis may include:
- Blood tests to check levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood
- Chest X-ray or chest CT scan to see images of your lungs
- Pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lungs work
Chronic Bronchitis Treatments
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. But with careful management — and lifestyle changes — you can live better with the condition. Treatments for chronic bronchitis may include:
Airway Mucous Clearance
Breathing maneuvers, medications, and devices can help clear your lungs of mucous.
Lifestyle Changes
Quitting smoking is the most important step you can take to improve chronic bronchitis. Avoiding other lung irritants — like secondhand smoke, pollution or dust — can also help.
Medications
Bronchodilators or steroids (typically taken via an inhaler) reduce inflammation and relax the airways. This helps you breathe easier.
Oxygen Therapy
If chronic bronchitis leads to low levels of oxygen in your blood, you may benefit from supplemental oxygen.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A program of education, treatment, exercise and emotional support can improve your quality of life with chronic bronchitis.
Preventing Chronic Bronchitis
Keeping your lungs healthy can help reduce your risk of chronic bronchitis. These steps can help:
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis, so not smoking can help prevent it.
Manage Other Respiratory Conditions
If you have asthma or other conditions that affect your breathing, stay on top of your treatment plan.
Protect Your Lungs From Irritants
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, pollution, dust and chemical fumes whenever possible.
Who does it affect?
74%Of people with chronic bronchitis have COPD
Source: NIH Stat Pearls: Chronic Bronchitis
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