Chronic Bronchitis Treatment Specialist in Redlands, CA

Chronic bronchitis is considered a type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe and can become worse over time.

Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation or swelling and irritation of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes are the airways that carry air to and from the air sacs in your lungs. Irritation of the tubes can make mucus to build up and make it harder for your lungs to move oxygen in and carry carbon dioxide out of the body.

The main cause of chronic bronchitis is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. One of the leading causes of this is cigarette smoke. Pipes, cigars, and other types of tobacco or other smoke can cause chronic bronchitis, especially if you are inhaling them into your body.

Consistent exposure to other inhaled irritants can also contribute to chronic bronchitis. They include secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes from dust in the environment or workplace.

Individuals who are at higher risk of dealing with chronic bronchitis include:

– Individuals who smoke
– Long-term exposure to other lung irritants
– Age
– Genetics

Many individuals normally do not show any or minimal symptoms of chronic bronchitis. As this disease becomes worse, your symptoms usually become more severe. These symptoms include:

– Frequent coughing
– Coughing that produces lots of mucus
– Wheezing
– Whistling or squeaky sounds when you breathe in and out
– Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
– Tightness in your chest

Some individuals with chronic bronchitis notice frequent infections occurring like colds or the flu. In more severe cases, chronic bronchitis can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower muscles, and even swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs.

Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed by your doctor, they may need to use the following to make a diagnosis:

– Ask about your medical history
– Symptoms you are experiencing
– Family history
– Various tests including lung function tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, and blood tests

While there is no cure to help treat chronic bronchitis, there are treatments available to help with your symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active. These treatments include:

– Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, and asking your healthcare provider for an eating plan to help meet your nutritional needs.

– Medicine

Medicine that may be prescribed to you by your doctor includes bronchodilators, vaccines, or antibiotics.

– Oxygen Therapy

If you are suffering from severe bronchitis and low levels of oxygen, your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy to help you breathe better.

– Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program to help improve the well-being of your chronic breathing problems. It can include an exercise program, disease management training, nutritional counseling, and psychological counseling.

– Lung Transplant

A lung transplant is considered a last resort for individuals who are suffering from severe symptoms of chronic bronchitis and have not had any positive treatment with the medicine prescribed.

If you are a senior dealing with signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis, consider contacting Dr. Nassar MD to book an appointment to review your treatment options to help you with your chronic bronchitis. Dr. Nassar is located in the heart of Redlands, CA at 255 Terracina Blvd, Suite 105 Redlands, CA 92373 and we are open by appointment only from Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. We serve patients from Redlands CA, Loma Linda CA, Mentone CA, Highland CA, Moonlight Rim CA, Grand Terrace CA, El Casco CA, Greenspot CA, and surrounding areas.