Chronic bronchitis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Bronchitis	Bronchitis and Normal Condition in Tertiary Bronchus	Lung anatomy	Lungs
Respiratory system

Bronchitis - chronic

• Cough that produces mucus (sputum), which may be blood streaked
• Shortness of breath aggravated by exertion or mild activity
• Frequent respiratory infections that worsen symptoms
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Ankle, foot, and leg swelling that affects both sides
• Headaches

To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, the cough and excessive mucus production must have occurred for 3 months or more in at least 2 consecutive years and not be due to any other disease or condition.

Tests to diagnose chronic bronchitis include:

• Pulmonary function tests
• Arterial blood gas
• Chest x-ray
• Pulse oximetry (oxygen saturation testing)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Exercise testing
• Chest CT scan

Review Date: 08/07/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.