Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Bronchitis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Affecting millions of Americans each year, chronic bronchitis is a common type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in which the air passages in the lungs -- the bronchi -- are repeatedly inflamed, leading to scarring of the bronchi walls. As a result, excessive amounts of sticky mucus are produced and fill the bronchial tubes, which become thickened, impeding normal airflow through the lungs. People with chronic bronchitis develop a persistent mucus-producing cough present most days of the month, or for three months of the year for two successive years. Other symptoms include frequent clearing of the throat and shortness of breath.

Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis. Over 90 percent of patients with chronic bronchitis have a smoking history, although only 15 percent of all cigarette smokers are ultimately diagnosed with some type of COPD, such as chronic bronchitis.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007