Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term frequently used to describe certain respiratory diseases that are characterized by an obstruction of the expiratory flow of air from the lungs. Patients with COPD have emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or both of these conditions. Asthma may also accompany COPD. Together COPD disorders affect more that 1.5 million Canadians.
Chronic bronchitis is chronic inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tree. Although definitions may vary, an accepted definition of chronic bronchitis states that it is a progressive disease that involves a productive cough for 3 consecutive months of at least 2 years.
Chronic bronchitis is quite common, affecting approximately 10% to 25% of Canadians adults. In fact, chronic bronchitis afflicts 1.3 million Canadians - making it the sixth-ranking chronic condition in Canada. It is more common in men than in women, and more common after the age of 40.
There are specific risk factors for the development of chronic bronchitis. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. Over time, the tar from tobacco smoke builds up along the airway wall. This destroys cilia and epithelium, eventually providing a desirable environment for infection. Other causes of chronic bronchitis include the continuous exposure and inhalation of irritants such as dust, fumes and other toxic particles.
Flare ups of chronic bronchitis are described as periods of acute inflammation and infection (of bacterial, viral, or unknown etiology) that induce worsening of the chronic symptoms.
