Does chronic bronchitis hurt?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Chronic bronchitis, commonly known as "chronic bronchitis", generally does not involve pain. The main symptoms of chronic bronchitis are coughing and expectorating phlegm, which may or may not be accompanied by wheezing. The coughing and expectorating in chronic bronchitis are typically long-term and gradual, with recurrent episodes. The symptoms are usually more pronounced in the morning, characterized by white, sticky phlegm, and generally do not involve chest pain or pain in other areas. If a patient with chronic bronchitis experiences pain in various parts of the body, it is typically considered that they might have other concurrent illnesses.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Differences between acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis

Generally speaking, acute bronchitis has a sudden onset, with patients often experiencing symptoms such as fever, coughing, and coughing up phlegm, and some patients may have wheezing. With effective treatment, recovery usually occurs within two to three weeks. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, typically has a longer course of illness with recurring symptoms, including coughing, coughing up phlegm, chest tightness, and wheezing. The duration of the illness often exceeds two years, with episodes typically lasting more than three months each year.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Does chronic bronchitis cause chest tightness?

Chronic bronchitis is commonly known as "old chronic bronchitis." Its main symptoms are coughing and expectoration. These symptoms are chronic and recurrent, and the onset is gradual. Coughing and expectoration are usually more pronounced in the morning and may consist of white, sticky phlegm or frothy sputum. Occasionally, there may be blood in the phlegm, but significant hemoptysis or chest pain generally does not occur. A small portion of chronic bronchitis patients may experience wheezing, which some of them might describe as chest tightness, meaning that chest tightness can occur in some chronic bronchitis patients. Those experiencing wheezing are referred to as having asthmatic bronchitis. Additionally, some patients may also have coexisting conditions like bronchial asthma or, in later stages, chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema, which can also lead to symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, or respiratory difficulty.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Chronic bronchitis auscultation characteristics

Most patients with chronic bronchitis, for the most part, show no abnormalities upon lung auscultation. This means their breath sounds are relatively clear, without diminished or enhanced breath sounds, nor any dry or wet rales typically heard. This is the case for the majority of patients; however, a small number of patients during acute exacerbations might present with some dry or wet rales at the back or the base of the lungs. Moreover, these rales may disappear after the patient coughs, indicating that in chronic bronchitis, the sounds heard upon auscultation can change and are not constantly present. You might hear dry or wet rales one moment, and after the patient coughs or receives treatment, these sounds could potentially alleviate. Additionally, if a patient with chronic bronchitis starts to wheeze or develops asthma, they might exhibit sounds such as wheezing or prolonged expiration.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Causes of Chronic Bronchitis

The causes of chronic bronchitis are not yet very clear. It is currently speculated that it may be the result of multiple factors interacting over a long period. The factors most closely associated with the occurrence of chronic bronchitis primarily include smoking, cigarette smoke, dust, and irritants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, ozone, etc. Additionally, some infectious factors may also be somewhat related to the occurrence of chronic bronchitis, with the most common possibly being infections by mycoplasma, bacteria, or viruses. Furthermore, chronic bronchitis may be related to age, climate, and other factors. Overall, the triggers of chronic bronchitis are not very clear at present, and it is advised to eliminate these risk factors as much as possible if present.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Chronic Bronchitis Nursing Measures

Chronic bronchitis is a chronic inflammation of the respiratory system, which tends to be prolonged and recurrent. For those suffering from this disease, it is primarily important to quit smoking, which is a crucial preventive measure against acute attacks of chronic bronchitis. It is also essential to control occupational or environmental pollution to avoid the irritation of harmful gases such as dust and smoke. Additionally, it is advisable to strengthen the body through regular exercise, enhance immunity, and increase cold resistance. It is recommended to wash the face with cold water all year round to enhance the skin's ability to prevent and fight diseases. During the flu season, getting a flu vaccine to prevent the onset of a cold, reinforcing dietary hygiene, and enhancing health education is also advised.