|
The chronic form of bronchitis is characterized by the abnormal swelling of the airways of the lungs known as bronchi in the upper region of the respiratory system and the increased presence of an abnormally high level of mucus. Ultimately, this results in expectoration and coughing in most patients suffering from this ailment. The cough is oftentimes detected in the early morning soon after waking, and is commonly referred to as 'smokers cough'. A majority of patients frequently feel some sort of respiratory problem,including shortness of breath or labored breathing. Several distinctive things can play a role in someone contracting chronic bronchitis, and the specific factor could be different depending on the individual. Examples of the different risk factors that may lead to chronic bronchitis are the following:
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor and is a part of over 90% of all known cases of the chronic form of bronchitis. Patients who at present suffer from chronic bronchitis and continue to smoke are advised to stop smoking because they risk developing more difficulties. Examples of these difficulties are emphysema, pneumonia, and ultimately lung infection. The latter is especially tough to treat due to an excess quantity of mucus in the upper part of the respiratory system. The mucus creates warmth and moisture in the area, making it a hotbed for infectious bacteria.
Weak Immune System
Patients suffering from a weakened immunity to disease are considered to be at higher risk for contracting chronic bronchitis. This affects the sick, old, young, and those patients who are suffering from immunity disorders. If you have a weak immunity to illness and are consequently concerned about your condition, it is recommended that you talk with a competent specialist about specific supplements and possible therapies that will protect you from respiratory diseases.
Prolonged Exposure to Lung Irritants
Patients who are exposed to lung irritants while at work are at an elevated susceptibility for contracting chronic bronchitis. The most known careers that include these risks are construction workers, welders, coal workers and people who primarily work in chemical labs. Dust is additionally considered an irritant of the lungs and must be kept away from.
Recurrent Infections in the Respiratory System
Patients who experience recurring respiratory infections have an increased susceptibility to getting chronic bronchitis. These persistent respiratory problems create further complications in the upper respiratory system as a whole, and may cause the patient’s body toproduce an abnormally thicker mucus. If you experience frequent infections involving the respiratory system you should inquire about your options for medical care with a competent specialist.
Frequent Exposure to Air Pollution
Patients who are regularly exposed to increased amounts of air pollutants are particularly more at risk of chronic bronchitis. Air pollution is considered an irritant, so you are advised to reduce your exposure to polluted air consisting of dust, chemicals or smoke so as to ward off contracting this horrible and life threatening condition.
Patients With Acid Reflux
Patients who are suffering from a condition known as acid reflux are more vulnerable to developing chronic bronchitis. The acid reflux consumes the airways in the body, and causes the body to manufacture increased levels of mucus. A patient’s airways can also be inflamed because of being exposed to their gases.
To grab a copy of Amy's Free Chronic Bronchitis eBook, and read more articles related to Risk Factors of Chronic Bronchitis, please click here to visit her chronic bronchitis website.
Are you at risk of developing chronic bronchitis? This article talks about some of the risk factors of chronic bronchitis.
Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live.
Source: www.contentarticles.net
|
