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Chronic bronchitis
Definition:
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the main air passages in the lungs, which persists for a long period or repeatedly recurs. The condition is characterized by excessive bronchial mucus and a productive cough that produces sputum for 3 months or more in at least 2 consecutive years, without any other disease that could account for this symptom. Text Continues Below
Alternative Names:
Bronchitis - chronic Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Cigarette smoking is the main cause. The longer and heavier a person smokes, the more likely it becomes that the person will get bronchitis and that the bronchitis will be severe. Secondhand smoke may also cause chronic bronchitis. Air pollution, infection, and allergies make it worse. Chronic bronchitis is one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma as a group are a leading cause of death in the U.S.
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