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What is Chronic Bronchitis?

By Deborah Leader, RN, About.com

Updated June 16, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: What is Chronic Bronchitis?
Answer: Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD that causes inflammation, or irritation, in the airways of the lungs. Airways refer to the tubes in the lungs that air passes through. This irritation causes increased mucus production within the lungs that over time, interferes with breathing.

The presence of a productive, chronic cough lasting at least 3 months out of the year for 2 consecutive years leads to the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis.

Read more:

Complete Guide to Chronic Bronchitis

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis

10 Creative Quit Smoking Tips

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