Notch signaling pathway: architecture, disease, and therapeutics
What Is Chronic Bronchitis? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, And Prevention
Chronic bronchitis is one of the main types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term used to describe a group of long-term lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult. Your doctor may refer to your disease as either chronic bronchitis or COPD.
Most people with COPD have components of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which is the other main form of COPD.[1]
Roughly 9 million people (or 3.6 percent of adults) in the United States are living with chronic bronchitis. The condition is more common in people 65 and older.[2]
While chronic bronchitis isn't curable, there are treatment options that can ease the symptoms.
RELATED: Symptoms and Diagnosis of COPD
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchi, the large tubes that carry air from your windpipe to your lungs.
When the bronchial tubes become inflamed and the linings become swollen, they produce excessive mucus. This mucus, combined with the swelling of the tubes, decreases airflow and results in a phlegmy cough.[3]
Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis (sometimes referred to as a chest cold) typically results from a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. It generally clears up within a few days, though the cough may linger for weeks.[4]
Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the airways. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is a serious condition that develops over the course of years. Symptoms may get better or worse, but they will never completely go away. These extended periods of inflammation cause sticky mucus to build up in the airways, leading to persistent breathing difficulties.[5]
People with chronic bronchitis can have "exacerbations," often caused by viral acute bronchitis, on top of their chronic condition.
Emphysema Vs. COPD: Similarities And Differences
Medically reviewed by Susan Russell, MDMedically reviewed by Susan Russell, MD
Emphysema is a progressive health condition caused by persistent damage to the air sacs in the lungs, also known as alveoli. Along with chronic bronchitis, emphysema is one of the two most common types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is an umbrella term that refers to chronic lung disorders that cause problems with breathing.
In this article, we'll go over how emphysema is related to COPD and how it differs from other types of COPD. We'll also discuss common causes of emphysema and COPD, coping tips, treatment options, and more.
How Emphysema and COPD DifferMany people aren't sure of the relationship between emphysema and COPD and wonder which one is "worse." Actually, emphysema is one of the two main types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The other is chronic bronchitis. Most people with COPD have both conditions at the same time, but some people only have one or the other.
In many ways, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are more similar than they are different. Both are often, but not always, related to smoking. They have many overlapping symptoms. Such as coughing and wheezing, and tend to progress (get worse) over time.
However, chronic bronchitis affects the airways in the lungs, while emphysema affects the air sacs. Also, chronic bronchitis is more likely to cause excess mucus production. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath.
Emphysema vs. COPD vs. AsthmaSometimes, differentiating between types of COPD—such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis—and asthma is difficult. Here are a few key similarities and differences:
Emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis can cause wheezing, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Chronic bronchitis may also cause a phlegm-producing cough, especially in the morning just after waking up.
Asthma is also associated with nighttime wheezing and coughing attacks, skin reactions like eczema, sneezing, and allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever).
There are four stages of COPD, including emphysema. Each one is progressively more severe than the last. You will notice different symptoms in each stage, as follows:
Stage 1: The symptoms of emphysema come on gradually and may go unnoticed for a long time. You may start to notice coughing, wheezing, pressure in your chest, or the occasional feeling that you can't take a full breath easily.
Stage 2: During the second stage of COPD, breathing may become harder when you're exerting yourself. Coughing may get worse and more "productive" (i.E., producing more sputum, phlegm, or mucus).
Stage 3: In this stage, you could experience more symptoms like muscle weakness (especially in the lower half of your body), frequent flu and colds, and swelling in the ankles. You might have difficulty breathing on your own without oxygen therapy.
Stage 4: In the final stage of emphysema, you could experience sudden, unintended weight loss and dangerously low blood oxygen levels. Some people experience heart failure; some may need surgical treatment.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a group of similar lung disorders, the most common of which are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Research suggests that most people with COPD have both conditions to some degree.
Still, there are some demographic differences between the two types of COPD. According to the American Lung Association, about 3.6% of adults in the U.S. Have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. The condition is more common in women than in men.
Meanwhile, emphysema seems somewhat less common. Approximately 1.6% of American adults have been diagnosed with emphysema. The condition is more common among men than women. Both chronic bronchitis and emphysema are more common in older adults, especially people over 65 years old.
Is One Worse?COPD is associated with high morbidity and mortality, representing one of the top 10 causes of death among American adults. Many people understandably wonder whether emphysema is associated with higher risks than other types of COPD.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis have similar symptoms, treatment approaches, and prognoses. What's more, you are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis if you already have severe emphysema and vice versa. People with symptoms of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis have significantly worse outcomes on average after receiving lung surgery than people who only have one type of COPD.
Causes of Emphysema vs. COPDIn up to 75% of cases, the cause of emphysema and COPD is smoking. However, nonsmokers can also develop emphysema. Some examples of other risk factors for emphysema include:
Exposure to smoke, such as from secondhand smoke, wood-burning stoves, or coal
Occupational exposure to other environmental irritants, such as dust or chemicals
Air pollution
A genetic alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Because emphysema is a lung condition, you might think a chest X-ray can diagnose it. However, that's not the case. A chest X-ray may show some signs of COPD, such as lung changes, and rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms.
To diagnose you with COPD, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, including risk factors such as your exposure to smoke and pollution. They may also perform a variety of tests, such as:
Spirometry to measure how well you can breathe
CT scans to assess the severity of your condition
Oximetry to measure your oxygen blood levels
Alpha-1 testing, to check for relevant genetic conditions
COPD, including emphysema, can't be cured. Treatment for emphysema and COPD typically involves quitting smoking and steering clear of secondhand smoke, as well as:
Taking prescribed medications to help with breathing or respiratory infections, such as bronchodilators or antibiotics.
Getting vaccinated for the flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal pneumonia.
Going through pulmonary rehabilitation, which may involve treatment from respiratory therapists, nutritionists, counselors, and/or exercise specialists.
Oxygen therapy.
Undergoing surgery to improve lung function in severe cases.
If you're ready to quit smoking, help is available. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop smoking, including making a plan to quit and managing withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe medication to make it easier for you to quit. There are also several free smoking cessation resources available in the United States. Consider:
How to Cope With Emphysema and COPDYou can take steps to manage your symptoms of emphysema and COPD, such as:
Creating a COPD action plan to identify and avoid triggers and signs of flare-ups
Practicing deep breathing exercises and pursed lip breathing
Pacing yourself and ensuring you get enough rest
Exercising regularly to maintain your overall level of fitness
Not reaching or bending too much to avoid fatigue
Eating slowly and while upright
Eating several small meals per day
Prioritizing your mental health through relaxation exercises and counseling
Emphysema is a lifelong breathing condition caused by damage over time to the small air sacs in the lungs. It is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It shares many similar symptoms and potential health outcomes with chronic bronchitis, the other primary kind of COPD. Many people with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis.
Warning symptoms of emphysema typically include tightness in the chest, chronic cough, whistling sounds while breathing, and difficulty taking a full, deep breath. Like other kinds of COPD, emphysema is progressive, meaning it usually gets worse with time.
If you think you may have emphysema or another kind of COPD, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. They can help you develop an action plan and prescribe medications and other forms of therapy as needed.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines: A Complete Guide
Coughing is your body's natural response when something is irritating your airways or your throat. And a cough from a cold or the flu will often go away on its own without any treatment. But in the meantime, a cough can be bothersome -- for example, if you're coughing at night, it might keep you awake. You might want to try cough medicine to get some relief.
Many types of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine are available. But don't just grab any box of cough medicine off the pharmacy shelf. These medicines contain different active ingredients, and some are more likely to help than others, depending on the type of cough you have.
If your cough is bothering you and interrupting your daily activities, cough medicine might help ease your symptoms while your body heals. There are three basic types of OTC cough medicines, including expectorants, suppressants, and combination medicines. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)
If your cough is bothering you and interrupting your daily activities, cough medicine might help. Although cough medicine doesn't cure your cold -- or whatever is causing your cough -- it can ease your symptoms while your body heals.
As a glance at the drugstore shelves will show you, there are many, many brands of OTC cough medicines. But there are only three basic types.
Expectorants
Expectorants thin mucus. When you have a cough that produces mucus, or phlegm, expectorants help loosen it up, making it easier to cough up and clear out of your airway. This can help relieve congestion in your chest.
The ingredient guaifenesin is the only drug approved as an expectorant by the FDA, so look for it on the label if you need an expectorant. Guaifenesin comes in a tablet, capsule, or syrup.
These are some of the over-the-counter expectorant medications on the market that contain guaifenesin:
Natural expectorants that may help include menthol, which is an ingredient in some cough drops, and honey.
Suppressants
Cough suppressants, also called antitussives, suppress or reduce your cough by blocking your brain's cough reflex. One of the most common active ingredients in suppressants is dextromethorphan (DM). Here are some cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan:
Other types of cough suppressants include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Some ointments or rubs, like Vicks VapoRub, contain these ingredients. Sometimes cough drops contain menthol, and they may help relieve a cough.
Combination medicines
Some cough medicines combine both guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Some OTC cough medicines that contain both include:
Combination products also may include other medicines to ease other symptoms at the same time. These other ingredients may include decongestants for stuffy nose, antihistamines for allergies or a runny nose, and painkillers. Cough medicines sometimes contain ingredients to help coat and soothe your throat as well.
Which is the strongest over-the-counter cough medicine?
Because OTC cough medicines have different active ingredients, it's hard to compare them. And studies haven't shown much reliable evidence of how effective these medicines are. Some studies have shown that these medicines aren't any better than a placebo.
But different types of cough medicines might work better for certain symptoms than others. For example, if your cough is preventing you from sleeping and you are more concerned about suppressing your cough, you might choose a suppressant over an expectorant. Your doctor can recommend which type of OTC cough medicine is best for your symptoms.
With a dry cough, no mucus comes out when you cough. You might feel like you have a tickle in your throat or a sore throat.
With a wet cough, you do cough up mucus. This is called a productive cough. A wet cough is common when you have a cold or the flu.
If you have a dry cough, a suppressant can help control your symptoms. If your cough isn't productive, an expectorant isn't likely to help.
For a wet cough, an expectorant can help you clear the mucus out of your airways.
Which is the best cough suppressant medicine over the counter?
Dextromethorphan is one of the most common active ingredients in OTC cough suppressants. Although a cough medicine may or may not work for you, a cough suppressant that contains dextromethorphan may be a good option to try.
OTC cough medicines are not recommended for children under 4, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The FDA points out that for children under 2, OTC cough medicines can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.
For children between the ages of 4 and 6, OTC cough and cold medicines should be given only if the child's doctor recommends them. For children older than 6, OTC cough medicines are safe to use, but it's important to follow the dosage instructions carefully.
To make sure you're giving the correct dose to your child, use the syringe or cup that comes with the medicine, not a measuring spoon or other tool from your kitchen. OTC cough and cold medicines can be harmful if children take more than the recommended dose.
An overdose can also happen if a child takes two OTC medicines, such as one for pain relief and one for cough, that contain the same active ingredients. Children should not take medicines made for adults because these medicines can cause an overdose.
Other options that may help with your child's cough symptoms include honey for children age 1 or older and mentholated rub for children age 2 or older.
OTC cough medicines don't usually cause side effects in healthy adults. But here are some possible side effects. For the expectorant guaifenesin, side effects include:
For the suppressant dextromethorphan, side effects include:
If you have these symptoms and they are severe or they don't go away, see your doctor.
Effects of cough medicines in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before taking any medicine. Generally, both guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are considered safe to take if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you do want to take an OTC cough medicine while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's a good idea to avoid combination products. For example, you can take an OTC cough medicine that contains either guaifenesin or dextromethorphan as a single active ingredient rather than a cough and cold medicine that contains multiple active ingredients.
If you're taking other medications, check with your doctor before taking an OTC cough medicine because some cough medicines can interact with other OTC medicines, prescription drugs, or vitamins or supplements. The cough medicine may alter the effects of other drugs or increase your risk of serious side effects.
For example, dextromethorphan may interact with certain antidepressants, medicines to treat high blood pressure, and celecoxib (Celebrex).
Guaifenesin may cause problems if you take it along with other drugs that can cause drowsiness or slow your breathing, such as some opioid medicines or medicines for anxiety or seizures.
Another option to treat cough symptoms is a homeopathic cough remedy, which may be labeled as a natural alternative. But it's important to understand that no homeopathic products are approved by the FDA.
Homeopathic remedies typically contain small amounts of highly diluted substances such as plants, animal or human sources, bacteria, minerals, and chemicals. Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice based on the principle that "like cures like." It takes a substance that causes symptoms in healthy people and uses it in a very diluted form to treat those symptoms.
Check with your doctor before taking homeopathic cough suppressants or expectorants. According to the FDA, children under 4 should not take homeopathic cough or cold medicines.
If you take too much of an OTC cough medicine, it's possible to overdose. This can happen either accidentally or on purpose. For example, you might accidentally overdose if you combine an OTC cough medicine with other medicines that contain the same active ingredients.
For children, accidental overdoses can happen if you combine medicines, if more than the recommended dose is given, or if the doses are given too often.
Dextromethorphan is an opioid substance. People sometimes abuse it, taking more than the recommended dose on purpose to get high. This can cause serious side effects.
Although guaifenesin is generally safe, it's still possible to overdose. And taking too much cough medicine that contains guaifenesin and other active ingredients, such as acetaminophen, can be harmful.
Signs of over-the-counter cough medicine overdose
Symptoms of a dextromethorphan overdose include:
Seeking help for OTC cough medicine overdose
If you think that you or someone else has overdosed on OTC cough medicine, call the poison control helpline at 800-222-1222 or see www.Poisonhelp.Org.
If the person has collapsed, has had a seizure, is having trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call 911 for emergency medical help.
Before buying an OTC cough medicine, look closely at the label. Don't just buy anything that says "cough" on it. Is it a suppressant or an expectorant? Is it both? What are the active ingredients? Make sure you're getting the right medicine for your symptoms.
Always measure the correct dose. Some people drink OTC cough syrup right out of the bottle without measuring it, but that's risky because even safe medicines can be dangerous if you take them in high doses. High doses of dextromethorphan can cause serious problems, including brain damage, seizure, and death.
Be careful with combination medicines. Many OTC cough medicines have multiple ingredients -- expectorants and suppressants along with decongestants, antihistamines, or painkillers. Select products with only the medicines that treat your symptoms. If your symptom is only a cough, for instance, you don't need a decongestant or painkiller. If you need to treat multiple symptoms, check other medicines you take to see if they contain the same ingredients. Don't take two medicines that have the same ingredients. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Be sure to keep any medicines, including cough medicines for children, out of children's reach to avoid overdose.
Don't use medicine for more than 7 days. If you do, you could be covering up a more serious problem. See your doctor if your cough is severe or if it doesn't get better.
Consider not taking any cough medicine. Remember that most coughs don't need treatment. You may want to wait for your cough to go away on its own or to try home remedies like taking a spoonful of honey or drinking warm beverages.
If your cough doesn't go away in 2 weeks, or if it keeps coming back, call your doctor. A cough from a cold, the flu, or allergies that lasts for a few days usually isn't anything to worry about. But if it lingers, it could be a sign of another condition, like asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic bronchitis, that you should get medical attention for.
Also contact your doctor if you have these symptoms along with your cough:
If you see a lot of blood when you cough, you can't breathe well, or you have severe chest pain, these are signs that you need emergency medical care. You should call 911 or go to an emergency room.
A cough from a cold or the flu usually will go away on its own. But if your cough is getting in the way of your usual daily activities, you might try OTC cough medicine to help ease your symptoms. OTC cough medicines contain different ingredients, and you should choose one based on what type of cough you have.
Although OTC cough medicines are generally safe, it's important to avoid taking too much because high doses can cause serious medical problems.
Studies haven't provided much reliable evidence on the effectiveness of OTC cough medicines, and one type may be better than another depending on your symptoms. Your doctor can help recommend which type to try.
Honey may help relieve a cough. You can take a spoonful of honey on its own or add some to hot tea.
A cough that brings up phlegm or mucus is called a productive or wet cough. An OTC cough medicine that's an expectorant can help thin the mucus and clear it out of your airway.
OTC cough medicines don't cure the underlying cause of your cough, but they can help relieve your cough symptoms.
It's common to have a cough if you have a cold or the flu. But if you're not sick and your cough doesn't go away, call your doctor. Your cough could be a sign of another condition, like asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic bronchitis.
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