Long-lasting cough and excessive phlegm, beware of chronic bronchitis

Many smokers experience chronic coughing and phlegm in the throat. These symptoms may be chronic.bronchitisSymptoms. Respiratory specialists point out that smokers are at high risk for developing chronic bronchitis. If the condition is neglected for a long time, it can easily lead to lung infections and even pneumonia. Currently, there is no cure for chronic bronchitis, and only medication can alleviate symptoms. This can cause long-term impacts on patients, reducing their quality of life. Doctors recommend that the most effective way to prevent further damage to the trachea is to quit smoking.

The lungs are important organs responsible for gas exchange. Air must enter the lungs through the bronchi.bronchitisWhen the mucous membranes are exposed to the air, more mucus will be secreted, leading to symptoms such as phlegm in the throat and a persistent cough. Dr. Lin Bing said that bronchitis can be divided into two types: chronic and acute. If the relevant symptoms persist for more than a week, it may be chronic bronchitis. However, there is currently no complete cure for chronic bronchitis, and the disease can only be controlled by medication to control its deterioration. As for acute bronchitis, it is mostly caused by viral infection and is usually contagious. It may be transmitted through droplets or contact, but in most cases no special treatment is required and it can heal on its own. If necessary, the doctor will also prescribe relief medication.

Dr. Lin further explained that chronic bronchitis itself is not contagious. While smoking is a common cause, it can also occur in non-smokers. Those who are exposed to toxic gases or exhaust fumes for a long time, such as those working in parking lots and tunnel toll booths, are also at high risk. Even long-term use of medications like bronchodilators can only reduce the likelihood of flare-ups but cannot reverse the damage already done to the trachea. Therefore, it is recommended that people quit smoking or minimize long-term exposure to toxic gases.

However, chronic bronchitis may also have acute attacks. Dr. Lin pointed out that acute attacks may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, or may be related to environmental factors, such as patients who have traveled to highly polluted areas or have been in an environment where tear gas is fired. When patients find that the amount or color of sputum suddenly changes, it may be a sign of an acute attack. At this time, drugs such as antibiotics, steroids or bronchodilators may be needed to reduce inflammation, improve breathing and help expel mucus from the lungs. If the condition is severe, hospitalization may even be required for nebulization treatment. If it is not properly treated for a long time, sputum accumulation will block the trachea, which will lead to difficulty in lung ventilation, and mild cases may occur. asthma, affecting daily life, and in severe cases increasing the risk of lung infection and possibly causing pneumonia.

Because coughing can be a common symptom with colds, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis, it can be difficult to determine whether one has chronic bronchitis. Dr. Lin recommends that if symptoms persist for a long time, even to the point of disrupting daily life, consult a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will diagnose the patient based on their medical history, smoking habits, and other factors. The public is also reminded not to self-prescribe medication for mild symptoms, as this can delay treatment.