This decreases the amount of air that can flow into and out of the lungs. Thick green-tinged or yellow mucous is produced. Frequent, painful coughing can occur. Acute bronchitis is a brief episode that is brought on by a severe cold or viral infection. Both chronic bronchitis and another type of airway disorder called emphysema are known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic bronchitis can occur alone, or with emphysema.
Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. See your healthcare provider regularly, particularly if you have a history of chronic bronchitis. Your healthcare provider might suggest the use of a bronchodilator, such as albuterol, which helps relax the airways during an episode of bronchitis. The one-time pneumococcal vaccination and the yearly flu vaccination may reduce the chances of infection during the cold and flu season. Chronically ill, frail elderly patients may need to be re-evaluated at 5 years or sooner for supplemental doses of the vaccine.