Chronic Bronchitis - Dubai Internal Medicine Clinic

Chronic bronchitis is a lasting inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the tubes that carry air into your lungs. DRHC offers the effective bronchitis treatment in Dubai. This is inflammation that occurs:

• On most days of the week.  
• For at least three months at a time.  
• Over a period of two years in a row. 

When the bronchial tubes are inflamed, they start to produce mucus. The inflammation and buildup of mucus make it more difficult to breathe. Chronic bronchitis is usually a permanent problem and is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with chronic bronchitis are at greater risk for getting repeated colds, or respiratory infections.

CAUSES

Chronic bronchitis most often occurs in people who have:

• Long-standing, severe asthma.
• A history of smoking.
• Asthma and who also smoke.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Chronic bronchitis may cause the following:

• A cough that brings up mucus (productive cough).
• Shortness of breath.
• Early morning headache.
• Chest discomfort.  
• Recurring respiratory infections.

DIAGNOSIS

Your health care provider may confirm the diagnosis by:

• Taking your medical history.
• Performing a physical exam.
• Taking a chest X-ray.  
• Performing pulmonary function tests.

TREATMENT

Treatment involves controlling symptoms with medicines, oxygen therapy, or making lifestyle changes, such as exercising and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Medicines could include:

• Inhalers to improve air flow in and out of your lungs.
• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and acute bronchitis.

As a preventative measure, your health care provider may recommend routine vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia. This is to prevent infection and hospitalization since you may be more at risk for these types of infections.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.  
• If you smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, or use electronic cigarettes, quit. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Avoid pollen, dust, animal dander, molds, smoke, and other things that cause shortness of breath or wheezing attacks.
• Talk to your health care provider about possible exercise routines. Regular exercise is very important to help you feel better.
• If you are prescribed oxygen use at home follow these guidelines:
  • Never smoke while using oxygen.Oxygen does not burn or explode, but flammable materials will burn faster in the presence of oxygen.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher close by. Let your fire department know that you have oxygen in your home.
  • Warn visitors not to smoke near you when you are using oxygen. Put up "no smoking" signs in your home where you most often use the oxygen.
  • Regularly test your smoke detectors at home to make sure they work. If you receive care in your home from a nurse or other health care provider, he or she may also check to make sure your smoke detectors work.
• Ask your health care provider whether you would benefit from a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
• Do not wait to get medical care if you have any concerning symptoms. Delays could cause permanent injury and may be life threatening.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:

• You have increased coughing or shortness of breath or both.
• You have muscle aches.
• You have chest pain.
• Your mucus gets thicker.
• Your mucus changes from clear or white to yellow, green, gray, or bloody.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:

• Your usual medicines do not stop your wheezing.  
• You have increased difficulty breathing.  
• You have any problems with the medicine you are taking, such as a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

MAKE SURE YOU:

• Understand these instructions.
• Will watch your condition.
• Will get help right away if you are not doing well or get worse. 

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.