Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When the bronchi are inflamed less air is able to flow to and from the lungs and a heavy mucous or phlegm is coughed up.
What Causes it?
While cigarette smoke is by far the most common cause of chronic bronchitis, air pollution, dusts and fumes also contribute to the problem. Chronic bronchitis symptoms worsen when air pollutants increase.
Once the bronchial tubes have been irritated over a long period of time, excessive mucous is produced constantly, the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes thickened, an irritating cough develops, air flow may be hampered, and the lungs are endangered.
People who smoke cigarettes are those most likely to develop chronic bronchitis. People exposed to high concentrations of dust and fumes are also at high risk of developing this disease.
Treatment
To effectively control chronic bronchitis, it is necessary to eliminate sources of irritation and infection in the nose, throat, mouth, sinuses, and bronchial tubes. This means an individual must avoid polluted air and dusty working conditions and give up smoking.