Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic Bronchitis is defined as a cough for at least 3 months during each of the preceding 2 years. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Asthma and post nasal drip from inflamed sinuses can also cause chronic bronchitis. Stomach acid backing up through the esophagus and into the lungs (gastro-esophageal reflux) can occasionally cause chronic bronchitis. Currently chronic bronchitis is treated with antibiotics, steroids, and bronchodilator inhalers.When gastro-esophageal reflux causes chronic bronchitis drugs that decrease stomach acid are used. Occasionally chronic bronchitis will "flare up" and become exacerbated. Symptoms include shortness of breath and a increased cough that produces more sputum. A patient experiencing these symptom's is most likely suffering from an AECB (Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis).

Acute bronchitis: Sometimes people get acute bronchitis without having chronic bronchitis. The most common cause is a viral respiratory infection (the common cold). Acute bronchitis usually last 1-3 weeks and is treated with cough medicines and decongestants. We sometimes evaluate new drugs for the treatment of acute bronchitis. Visit our ongoing studies page to view our current studies at any time.

If you are interested in learning more about chronic bronchitis visit our medical links page and look through some of the patient help websites. We usually conduct our acute bronchitis studies during the winter months. Contact our offices for more information.