Healthy Tips Blog

20 Jan, 2009

Chronic Bronchitis Risk Factors

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by Amy Cheung

The chronic form of bronchitis is defined as the enlargement of the airways or bronchi in the upper respiratory system as well as the overproduction of an abnormally high level of mucus. Ultimately, this triggers cough and expectoration in a good number of people experiencing this condition. The coughing is more often than not observed in the early hours of morning right after getting up from bed, and is frequently known as ’smokers cough’. Several individuals often experience a kind of breathing difficulty,including labored breathing or shortness of breath. Several distinctive factors can play a role in someone getting chronic bronchitis, and the specific trigger may vary depending on the individual. Some of the different risk factors that can lead to this condition are:

Smoking Cigarettes

Cigarette smoking is the foremost risk factor and causes more than 90% of all documented cases of chronic bronchitis. Patients who at present battle with this condition and continue to smoke should stop ingesting nicotine or otherwise face the danger of experiencing further problems. Examples of these problems include pneumonia, emphysema, and even lung infection. Lung infection is especially difficult to manage due to an increased amount of mucus present in the upper region of the respiratory system. The mucus causes the area to be warm and moist, turning it into a breeding ground for infection causing bacteria.

Weak Immune System

Individuals with a weakened resistance to disease are deemed to be more susceptible to developing chronic bronchitis. This includes the sick, old, young, and those patients who are suffering from disorders affecting the immune system. If you have a weak resistance to disease and are consequently concerned about your health, it is advised that you confer with your doctor about specific supplements and modes of treatment that will protect you from the onset of further respiratory difficulties.

Exposure To Lung Irritants

Individuals who are exposed to lung irritants during work have a higher risk for getting chronic bronchitis. The most common jobs that comprise these risks are welders, coal workers, construction workers, and professionals whose jobs involve chemical laboratories. Dust is also considered an irritant affecting the lungs and must be stayed away from.

Recurrent Infections in the Respiratory System

People who suffer from persistent respiratory infections have an elevated risk of developing chronic bronchitis. These persistent respiratory problems cause difficulties in the entire upper respiratory system, and may trigger the patient’s body tosecrete an excessively thick mucus. If you are battling with persistent infections of the respiratory system you are strongly encouraged to inquire about your options for medical care with your specialist.

Regular Air Pollution Exposure

Individuals who are periodically exposed to increased amounts of air pollutants are increasingly more at risk of chronic bronchitis. Air pollution is a known irritant, so you should decrease your exposure to polluted air full of dust, smoke or chemicals with the intent to prevent developing this unpleasant and hazardous condition.

Patients With Acid Reflux

Those who are suffering from a condition known as acid reflux are at a higher risk for getting chronic bronchitis. The acid reflux eats away at the airways in your body, and causes your body to create an elevated amount of mucus. Your bronchi could additionally develop inflammation after exposure to their gases.

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