Content Summary : Chronic Bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease (COPD) caused by an inflammation of the bronchialtubes, the major airways into the lungs. Emphysema andasthma are other forms of COPD. All of these conditions resultin obstructed or blocked airways, and make breathing difficult.Most patients who develop chronic bronchitis were exposed to airpollution in their home or workplace over a period of time. Thisair pollution could have come from cigarette smoke, chemicalfumes, coal, metal, or grain dust, and other pollutants. The typ-ical patient with chronic bronchitis begins to show symptoms ofa slowly worsening chronic cough with white or colored sputum in their 40s or 50s. Many patients do not seek treatment at this stage, since they believe it is not aserious condition. In their 50s and 60s, these patients seek medical help because their shortness ofbreath begins to interfere with their life. A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis is made based on thepatient’s history of symptoms, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function (breathing) tests. Often patientswith chronic bronchitis have some emphysema or asthma along with their bronchitis. Since chronic bronchitis can cause permanent lung scarring, it is important that patients with symptoms see their doctor and begin a treatment program. Treatment is aimed at preventing worsening of symptoms by avoiding smoking, pollution, and other triggers of symptoms,including infections. Proper nutrition and breathing exercises can also help the patient with chronic bronchitis lead an active, productive life