Are you living with lung disease and concerned about the risk of chronic bronchitis? By educating yourself on the risk factors and taking steps to prevent its development, you may be able to avoid this chronic condition altogether.
According to Medical News Today, bronchitis is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the bronchi, which are the air tubes that connect your nose and lungs. Acute bronchitis is when a cold or viral infection brings on a cough, chest soreness and sometimes shortness of breath. The condition is temporary.
However, if you have chronic bronchitis, you’re living with lung disease continually. A mucus-producing cough affects you three months or more of the year, and you face breathing difficulties and other symptoms that return again and again.
Factors That Increase Your Risk
Even if you’re not living with lung disease, Medical News Today points out you might be at risk. You’re more likely to develop chronic bronchitis if you:
• Smoke: Smoking is associated with the overabundance of mucus that leads to chronic bronchitis.
• Are exposed to secondhand smoke: If you live in a home with smokers, your risk for developing chronic bronchitis could be almost as high as the smokers' risk.
• Have a weakened immune system: The very young and the elderly are more susceptible to bronchitis. Chronic lung disease is most common in seniors.
• Have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Sometimes called acid reflux, GERD affects more than half of people with chronic bronchitis, says Everyday Health.
• Are exposed to chemical fumes: Ammonia, chlorine, strong acids, bromine, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are known to increase your risk for developing chronic bronchitis.
• Are exposed to certain air pollution: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) irritate the lungs. They originate from vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, wood-burning stoves, grills and burning coal.
Preventing Chronic Bronchitis
If you’re concerned these factors put you at greater risk for chronic bronchitis, Medical News Today recommends taking the following steps to prevent it:
- Stop smoking
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Avoid people with a cold or the flu.
- Talk to your doctor to determine if you should have annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid areas with lots of air pollution.
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