Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis is an aspect of the broad disease known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is a widely prevalent disease in the world today and effects 15 million people and is the third leading cause of death. The signs and symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis is very specific, however diagnoses and treatment is different for each patient and can be quite challenging. The pathophysiology underlying Chronic Bronchitis is quite complex with metaplasia changes within the lung parenchyma, increase in mucous from goblet cell hyperplasia and chronic inflammation leading to permanent scarring. The bodies adaptive processes because of Chronic Bronchitis can be seen throughout the body systems, but most significant on the heart. Although this disease is very common it is also preventable. Cigarette smoking being the leading risk factor of Chronic Bronchitis