chronic bronchitis

Thân thiện

A patient with chronic bronchitis uses an inhaler to help with breathing.

Definition

Noun: A persistent, long-term inflammatory condition of the bronchi (the main air passages to the lungs) characterized by excessive mucus (sputum) production, resulting in a chronic cough and obstructed airflow.

Usage

This is a medical term used to describe a specific, ongoing disease. It is often discussed in the context of respiratory health, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). * The primary symptom of chronic bronchitis is a productive cough that lasts for at least three months per year for two consecutive years. * Long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke is a major cause of chronic bronchitis.

Examples

• After 30 years of smoking, he was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis.
• Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions that make up COPD.
• Managing chronic bronchitis involves avoiding lung irritants and using medications to open the airways.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a differential diagnosis to distinguish it from acute (short-term) bronchitis or other respiratory conditions like asthma.
• In epidemiological studies, the prevalence of chronic bronchitis is frequently linked to air pollution levels and occupational hazards.

Variants and Related Words

• Bronchitis (noun): The general term for inflammation of the bronchi, which can be acute or chronic.
• COPD (noun): Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, an umbrella term that often includes chronic bronchitis.

Synonyms

• Chronic obstructive bronchitis: A more specific term emphasizing the airflow obstruction.
• Blue bloater: An outdated clinical descriptor for a type of COPD patient often associated with chronic bronchitis (characterized by cyanosis and edema). Note: This term is now considered non-technical and potentially pejorative.

Related Phrases

• Chronic cough: A key symptom of the condition.
• Excessive sputum production: A defining characteristic of the disease.
• Airflow obstruction: The primary physiological consequence.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a form of bronchitis characterized by excess production of sputum leading to a chronic cough and obstruction of air flow