Am I At Risk Of Getting Chronic Bronchitis?

Are you a longtime cigarette smoker?

Do you smoke a pipe or cigar for many years, or are you exposed to second-hand smoke for a long time?

Do you have asthma?

Are you exposed to chemical fumes, vapors and dust in the workplace?

Do you live in a highly polluted environment?

Are you exposed to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating?

Do you have a family history of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

As far as you know, do you have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (a genetic condition)?

As far as you know, did you have frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of getting chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a medical condition that is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. The inflamed bronchial mucosa is swollen and secretes more mucus than normal. Swollen airways and accumulation of mucus in them make it difficult for air to pass into and out of the lungs. Chronic bronchitis develops over time. In the United States, the main cause of chronic bronchitis is long-term cigarette smoking. The longer you smoke, the higher the risk of chronic bronchitis.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of getting chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi that is usually caused by years of smoking or inhaling irritants. The first symptoms of lung obstruction usually appear after the age of 40. According to the American Lung Association, more than 11 million Americans have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). However, there and millions of others who don’t know they have it. Smokers are more likely to get chronic bronchitis if they have a family history of COPD. People with asthma who are also smokers have a particularly high risk of chronic bronchitis.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of getting chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi that over time leads to a progressive reduction of airflow through your lungs. The most common causes of chronic bronchitis are exposure to tobacco smoke, outdoor and indoor air pollution, and occupational dust and fumes. Although it used to be more common in men, today COPD affects both men and women equally due to the relatively high level of tobacco smoking among women. Many cases of COPD can be prevented by smoking cessation.