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Chronic Bronchitis
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Original Editors - Students from Glasgow Caledonian University's Cardiorespiratory Therapeutics Project.
Top Contributors - Lindsey Chisholm, Kelly D'Autremont, Lucinda hampton, Kim Jackson, Esraa Mohamed Abdullzaher,
Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka, Admin, Evan Thomas, Michelle Lee, WikiSysop and Fasuba Ayobami
Contents
1 Definition/Description
2 Epidemiology
3 Etiology
4 Pathophysiology
5 Clinical Manifestations
6 Evaluation
6.1 Treatment / Management
7 Nonpharmacological interventions.
8 Physiotherapy
9 Education
10 Exercise
10.1 Physical Fitness
11 Prevention
11.1 Avoiding Irritants
11.2 Practice Proper Hygiene
12 References
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Definition/Description
Chronic Bronchitis (CB) is defined as a chronic cough and sputum production for at least
3 months a year for 2 consecutive years. [1]
It is covered under the umbrella term of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The COPD spectrum ranges from Emphysema to Chronic Bronchitis. Many patients have
characteristics of both, putting them somewhere along the spectrum.[1]
Epidemiology
The occurrence of Chronic bronchitis
In the general population has been documented to vary between 3% to 7% of healthy adults.
It is estimated to be as high as 74% among those diagnosed to have COPD.
Subjects under the age of 50 years who are otherwise healthy and have chronic bronchitis are at a higher risk of morbidity and
mortality when compared to healthy subjects.
The increasing prevalence of chronic bronchitis is thought to be associated with increasing age, tobacco smoking, occupational
exposure, and socioeconomic status.[3]
Etiology
There are many known causes of chronic bronchitis.
The most important causative factor is exposure to cigarette smoke either due to active smoking or passive inhalation. Other causes
include:
Inhaled irritants to the respiratory tract eg smog, industrial pollutants, airborne chemicals (eg ammonia and sulfur) can cause
chronic bronchitis.
Repeated exposure to viral infections can cause chronic bronchitis.
People with an associated background in respiratory diseases eg asthma, cystic fibrosis, or bronchiectasis have a higher
predisposition to develop chronic bronchitis.
Chronic gastroesophageal reflux is a well documented but less frequent cause of chronic bronchitis[3].
There is also a genetic factor associated with COPD, it is a deficiency in alpha-1-antitrypsin. This genetic marker is indicative of
Emphysema, but many patients on the COPD spectrum have characteristics of both Emphysema and CB.[2]
Pathophysiology
Chronic bronchitis is thought to be caused by overproduction and hypersecretion of
mucus by goblet cells. Epithelial cells lining the airway response to toxic, infectious stimuli
by releasing inflammatory mediators and eg pro-inflammatory cytokines. During an acute
exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, the bronchial mucous membrane becomes hyperemic
and edematous with diminished bronchial mucociliary function. This, in turn, leads to
airflow impediment because of luminal obstruction to small airways. The airways become
clogged by debris and this further increases the irritation. The characteristic cough of
bronchitis is caused by the copious secretion of mucus in chronic bronchitis.[3]
Smokers with moderate COPD and CB had a greater number of goblet cells in
their peripheral airways[1], which increases the potential of mucus in the lungs
(a greater number of small airways were blocked with mucus increases the
severity of the disease).[1]
Mucus hypersecretion is one of the risks associated with cigarette smoke
exposure, viral infections, bacterial infections, or inflammatory cell activation.
When combined with poor ciliary function, distal airway occlusion, ineffective
cough, respiratory muscle weakness, and reduced peak expiratory flow
clearing secretions is extremely difficult and requires high energy
consumption. [1]
Clinical Manifestations
The clinical presentation can be an increased exacerbation rate, accelerated
decline in lung function, worse health-related quality of life and an increase in
mortality.[1] Common symptoms outlined by the British Lung Foundation include[2]:
These symptoms would be persistent for at least 3 months a year for 2 consecutive years
to be considered Chronic Bronchitis.[1]
Evaluation
The most critical factor in the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis is a typical history to exclude
other possible diseases of the lower respiratory tract.
The investigations which assist in confirming the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis are:
Blood test: This is to see if your symptoms could be due to anemia, or to see if the
symptoms are due to the genetic marker alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.[4]
A chest x-ray in the elderly and when physical findings suggest pneumonia is
important.
A culture of the sputum when a bacterial infection is suspected is indicated.
The additional investigations which are a helpful measurement of oxygen saturation, and pulmonary function tests eg
spirometry[3]
[5]
Treatment / Management
The primary aim of treatment for chronic bronchitis is to relieve symptoms, prevent complication and slow the progression of the
disease. The primary goals of therapy are aimed at reducing the overproduction of mucus, controlling inflammation and lowering
cough. These are achieved by pharmacological as well as nonpharmacological interventions.
1. Bronchodilators: Short and long-acting β-Adrenergic receptor Agonists as well as Anticholinergic help by increasing the airway
lumen, increasing ciliary function and by increasing mucous hydration.
2. Glucocorticoids: Reduce inflammation and mucus production.Inhaled corticosteroids reduce exacerbation and improve quality of
life.However, it is administered under medical supervision and for short
periods of time as long-term usage can induce osteoporosis, diabetes,
and hypertension.
3. Antibiotic therapy: is not indicated in the treatment of chronic bronchitis
however macrolide therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory
property and hence may have a role in the treatment of chronic
bronchitis.
4. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors: decrease inflammation and promote
airway smooth muscle relaxation by preventing the hydrolysis of cyclic
adenosine monophosphate a substance when degraded leads to the
release of inflammatory mediators.
Nonpharmacological interventions.
Physiotherapy
The goal of the physiotherapist should involve education, improve exercise tolerance,
reduce exacerbations and hospitalization, assist in sputum clearance, and increase
thoracic mobility and lung volume.
Education
Chronic bronchitis has a significant impact on morbidity and quality of life. Education of
the individual with CB by the treating clinical staff in terms of the presenting condition,
medication use, treatment options, and self-management may help the psychological
effects associated with having a chronic condition and promote a proactive approach to management.
The most critical nonpharmacological intervention is smoking cessation. Smoking cessation improves mucociliary function and
decreases goblet cell hyperplasia. Smoking cessation has also been shown to reduce airway injury resulting in lower levels of
exfoliated mucus in tracheobronchial cells.
Exercise
Regular exercise can have positive effects on the management, treatment, and prevention of CB and COPD. Aerobic exercise and
upper & lower limb resistance training have shown positive changes in the reduction of airflow obstruction, clearing of airways,
improved functional capabilities increased energy levels, and sputum expectoration. Exercise programs should be under the
supervision of the treating clinical team (eg physiotherpist) and a discussion with the general practitioner should be had before
taking part in any exercise program.[6]
Physical Fitness
Aerobic exercise and upper & lower limb resistance training have the ability to increase physical fitness, functional tolerance, energy
levels, and decrease concern over the shortness of breath, exacerbations, and hospital visits. Specific guidelines are put in place in
concern to exercise for individuals with chronic bronchitis and COPD. The Discussion should be held with the treating clinical team
before participation in any exercise program begins.
Prevention
There is presently no cure for CB. However, with lifestyle changes, education, and proper management it is possible to prevent
exacerbations of the condition.
Avoiding Irritants
Being aware of possible irritants within the household, workplace, and places of recreation can help reduce risk factors associated
with chronic bronchitis and reduce exacerbations. Irritants to be aware of can include dust, chemicals, vapors, air pollution, and
smoke. Proper respiratory protective equipment should be made readily available if contact with irritants in the workplace commonly
occurs. [7]
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