Chronic Bronchitis Flashcards
What is chronic bronchitis
CB is a disease of the airways. Repeated inhalation of tobacco smoke irritates the sensitive lining of the airways leading to hypertrophy of mucus glands. There is a narrowing of the smaller airways then the larger airways. The acute inflammation resolves chronic inflammation leads to fibrotic changes and scarring.
What are causes of CB?
Contributing factors include smoking, atmospheric pollution and occupation
Symptoms of CB?
Excess mucus secretions due to not being cleared by cilia paralysed by cigarette smoke.
Productive cough.
Prone to chest infections as the warm, moist environment of the airways makes an ideal medium for growing bacteria.
Breathlessness
Treatment?
Antibiotics to treat the inflammation or infection
Bronchodilators to keep the airways open
Pulmonary rehabilitation is considered to be the gold standard gives education, techniques and exercises
