Risk Factors Of Chronic Bronchitis

By Author: Amy Cheung
Total Articles: 28
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Chronic bronchitis is characterized by the enlargement of the airways of the lungs known as bronchi in the upper region of the respiratory system as well as the overproduction of an abnormally high level of mucus. This overproduction causes expectoration and coughing in many people suffering from this condition. The coughing symptom is commonly observed during early morning right after waking up, and is customarily known as 'smokers cough'. Many people regularly experience some sort of breathing difficulty,such as labored breathing or shortness of air. A number of distinct triggers can play a role in someone developing chronic bronchitis, and the particular factor may possibly vary depending on the specific individual. Examples of the various risk factors of chronic bronchitis are:

Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking cigarettes is the most common risk factor and is a part of more than 90% of all documented cases of chronic bronchitis. Individuals that currently battle with chronic bronchitis and persistently smoke must quit smoking or face the danger of suffering from worse problems. Examples of such ...
... problems include emphysema, pneumonia, and lung infection. The latter is particularly hard to care for because of an increased quantity of mucus produced in the upper region of the respiratory system. The increased mucus causes the area to be moist and warm, turning it into a hotbed for bacteria and other infectious agents.

Decreased Resistance To Disease

Patients with a weakened resistance to disease are considered to be more vulnerable to acquiring chronic bronchitis. This encompasses the old, young, sick, and those people who have been diagnosed with immunity disorders. If you have a weak resistance to disease and are consequently bothered about this health, it is advised that you talk with a competent physician about various medications and possible therapies that will protect you from the onset of further respiratory difficulties.

Exposure To Lung Irritants

Patients who are exposed to lung irritants during work are at an increased risk for acquiring chronic bronchitis. The most documented jobs that involve these risks are coal workers, welders, construction workers, and professionals whose jobs involve chemical labs. Dust is additionally known to be an irritant of the lungs and must therefore be avoided.

Frequent Respiratory Infections

Patients who experience recurrent infections in the respiratory system have a much higher susceptibility to developing chronic bronchitis. These recurrent respiratory infections cause complications in the entire upper respiratory system, and can trigger the patient's body tosecrete a thicker than usual mucus. If you are battling with persistent infections involving the respiratory system you are advised to seek options for dealing with them with a competent physician.

Regular Exposure to Air Pollution

Patients who are frequently exposed to large quantities of air pollutants are increasingly more vulnerable to chronic bronchitis. Air pollution is a common irritant, so you must reduce your exposure to polluted air full of chemicals, dust or smoke so as to put off acquiring this unpleasant and dangerous condition.

Acid Reflux Sufferers

Patients who are suffering from acid reflux are have an increased risk of acquiring chronic bronchitis. The acid reflux gnaws at the airways in the body, and causes the body to produce increased levels of mucus. Your bronchi can additionally be inflamed due to exposure to their gases.
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