Overview
Chronic bronchitis is ongoing inflammation of the bronchial tubes, defined by a productive cough on most days for at least three months in two consecutive years. It frequently overlaps with COPD.
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and mucus, preventing infections, and addressing the underlying cause — most commonly smoking.
Common symptoms
- Daily cough producing mucus
- Chest discomfort or congestion
- Breathlessness and wheeze
- Repeated chest infections
How I can help
Assessing lung function and excluding other causes
Inhaled and, where needed, mucus-clearing therapies
Infection prevention with vaccines and prompt treatment of flare-ups
Smoking cessation and environmental advice
Frequently asked questions
How is chronic bronchitis different from a chest infection?
A chest infection is acute and short-lived, while chronic bronchitis is ongoing inflammation lasting months. People with chronic bronchitis are also more prone to repeated acute infections.