Patient with a chronic cough being evaluated for chronic bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis Treatment in Mt. Airy and Kernersville, NC

A cough that won’t go away can be more than an annoyance, it may be chronic bronchitis. Our pulmonology team can help identify the cause and build a plan to ease your symptoms and protect your lung health long term.

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What Is Chronic Bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed, producing excess mucus that leads to a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. It is one of the two main conditions that make up COPD, along with emphysema, and is generally diagnosed when a productive cough lasts at least three months a year for two consecutive years.

Common Symptoms

  • A persistent cough that produces mucus
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent respiratory infections

What Causes Chronic Bronchitis?

Cigarette smoking is by far the most common cause. Long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, or fumes can also inflame the bronchial tubes over time and contribute to chronic bronchitis.

How We Diagnose Chronic Bronchitis

We use pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, along with a review of your symptoms and history, to distinguish chronic bronchitis from other lung conditions and determine the right treatment path.

Treatment Options

Treatment often includes bronchodilators or other inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and smoking cessation support, which is one of the most effective steps you can take to slow disease progression and improve your breathing.

Chronic Bronchitis FAQs

How is chronic bronchitis different from a regular chest cold?

A chest cold typically resolves within a couple of weeks, while chronic bronchitis involves a productive cough lasting at least three months a year for two consecutive years.

Is chronic bronchitis the same as COPD?

Chronic bronchitis is one of the two conditions that fall under the broader diagnosis of COPD, along with emphysema.

Can chronic bronchitis be cured?

Chronic bronchitis cannot be fully cured, but symptoms can be significantly improved with treatment, and quitting smoking can slow further lung damage.

What tests confirm a chronic bronchitis diagnosis?

Pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, along with a review of your cough history and duration, help confirm a chronic bronchitis diagnosis.

Will I need medication long term?

Many patients benefit from ongoing inhaled medications to manage symptoms, though your exact treatment plan depends on the severity of your condition.

Does quitting smoking really help at this stage?

Yes, quitting smoking at any point can meaningfully slow the progression of chronic bronchitis and improve breathing over time.

Can chronic bronchitis affect my sleep?

Coughing and breathing difficulty can disrupt sleep for some patients. If this applies to you, our sleep medicine team can help evaluate further.

Get Relief From Your Chronic Cough

Let our pulmonology team help you find the cause and the right treatment.

Request an Appointment