Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD. It may be caused by smoking and other exposure to chemicals. We explain the risks, diagnosis, treatment, and more.

In 2021, an estimated 14 million adults in the United States reported a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. [1] If you’re not sure what ...

Chronic bronchitis can be associated with COPD. Patients with chronic bronchitis suffer from inflamed airways that produce a lot of mucus, leading to chronic coughing and trouble breathing.

COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis, is a leading cause of death. If you wait too long to treat it or continue to smoke with it, you may shorten your lifespan and reduce your quality of life.

Chronic bronchitis develops due to long-term exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemical dust and fumes, and air pollution. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis develop gradually over time.

“Bronchitis can be short-term (acute) and symptoms usually last around three weeks,” says Radford. “But some people can have long-term (chronic) inflammation of the airways. This is known as ...

Chronic bronchitis in young adults is associated with recurrent respiratory infections and early-life exposures, according to findings published in the European Respiratory Journal.“Recurrent ...