Chronic bronchitis is the production of increased mucus caused by inflammation. Bronchitis is considered chronic if you cough and produce excess mucus most days for three months in a year, two years in a row.

Chronic bronchitis doesn't strike suddenly. After a winter cold seems cured, you may continue to cough and produce large amounts of mucus for several weeks. Since people who get chronic bronchitis are often smokers, the cough is usually dismissed as only "smoker's cough."

As time goes on, colds become more damaging. Coughing and bringing up phlegm last longer after each cold. Without realizing it, you may begin to take this coughing and mucus production as a matter of course, all year long. Generally, the cough is worse in the morning and in damp, cold weather. You may cough up an ounce or more of yellow mucus each day.

As time goes on, colds become more damaging. Coughing and bringing up phlegm last longer after each cold. Without realizing it, you may begin to take this coughing and mucus production as a matter of course, all year long. Generally, the cough is worse in the morning and in damp, cold weather. You may cough up an ounce or more of yellow mucus each day.

1. Cough that produces mucus (sputum), which may be blood streaked
2. Shortness of breath aggravated by exertion or mild activity
3. Frequent respiratory infections that worsen symptoms
4. Wheezing
5. Fatigue
6. Ankle, foot, and leg swelling that affects both sides

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. It is crucial to quit smoking to prevent chronic bronchitis from getting worse. Any other respiratory irritants should be avoided.

Inhaled medications that dilate (widen) the airways and decrease inflammation may help reduce symptoms such as wheezing.

1. Stopping smoking
2. Nutrition
3. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections as needed.
4. Corticosteroids may occasionally be used during flare-ups of wheezing or in people with severe bronchitis that does not respond to other treatments.
5. Oxygen therapy
6. Physical exercise programs, breathing exercises, and patient education programs are all part of the overall treatment plan.