The Irreversible Path of Chronic Bronchitis

The statistics surrounding chronic bronchitis are startling. According to the American Lung Association, approximately 9 million people in the United States were diagnosed in 2004 with this devastating lung disease. Chronic bronchitis is one of the more common forms of COPD, causing inflammation and irritation of the airways. When the airways become inflamed and irritated, thick mucus begins to form in them. Over time, this mucus plugs up the airways and makes breathing extremely difficult. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is irreversible and its path is one of frequent recurrences. Read more about chronic bronchitis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention so that you can better cope with the disease.