chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is inflammation (swelling) and irritation of the bronchial tubes. These tubes are the airways that carry air to and from the air sacs in your lungs. The irritation of the tubes causes mucus to build up.

1. Can a person be cured of chronic bronchitis?
2. How long can chronic bronchitis last?
3. Can you live a long life with chronic bronchitis?
4. What triggers chronic bronchitis?
5. How do you permanently cure chronic bronchitis?
6. What are the complications of chronic bronchitis?
7. Can bronchitis damage your lungs?
8. Can you live 20 years with COPD?
9. What is the 6 minute walk test for COPD?
10. What is end-stage COPD?

Can a person be cured of chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is not curable but there are a number of treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. These include bronchodilators that open your airways, steroids to reduce inflammation, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.

How long can chronic bronchitis last?

Most people get over an acute bout of bronchitis in two to three weeks, although the cough can sometimes hang on for four weeks or more. If you're in otherwise good health, your lungs will return to normal after you've recovered from the initial infection.

Can you live a long life with chronic bronchitis?

The 5-year life expectancy for people with COPD ranges from 40% to 70%, depending on disease severity. This means that 5 years after diagnosis 40 to 70 out of 100 people will be alive.

What triggers chronic bronchitis?

The cause of chronic bronchitis is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause chronic bronchitis, especially if you inhale them.

How do you permanently cure chronic bronchitis?

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, and treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and improving lung function.

1. Medications to help suppress the cough or loosen and clear secretions may be helpful. ...
2. Bronchodilator inhalers will help open airways and decrease wheezing.

What are the complications of chronic bronchitis?

Complications associated with chronic bronchitis include:

• Dyspnea: shortness of breath.
• Pneumonia: an inflammatory condition of the lungs.
• Respiratory failure: the inadequate intake of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide in the respiratory system.
• Cor pulmonale: failure of the right side of the heart.

Can bronchitis damage your lungs?

Over time, chronic bronchitis can lead to permanent damage to the lungs, such as decreased lung function.

Can you live 20 years with COPD?

The American Lung Association reports that COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, but as a chronic, progressive disease, most patients will live with the disease for many years. The disease is not curable, yet it is possible to achieve some level of normalcy despite its challenges.

What is the 6 minute walk test for COPD?

The 6MWT is a tool for assessing people with COPD, and it can provide you important information either as one-time measure of your functional health or as a before-and-after measure to see how well a treatment plan is working.

What is end-stage COPD?

End-stage, or stage 4, COPD is the final stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most people reach it after years of living with the disease and the lung damage it causes. As a result, your quality of life is low. You'll have frequent exacerbations, or flares -- one of which could be fatal.