Many patients may have both of these diseases, although there may be more symptoms of one than the other. Diagnosing COPD COPD worsens gradually over time. As the disease progresses, the cough becomes more frequent and more effort is needed to get air into and out of the lungs. In later stages of the disease, the heart may be affected. Eventually, death occurs when the lungs and heart are no longer able to deliver oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.
These tubes, the bronchi, connect the windpipe with the lungs. When the bronchi are inflamed or infected, less air flows in and out of the lungs and a heavy mucus secretion is coughed up. Chronic bronchitis is often neglected until it is in an advanced state because people mistakenly believe the disease is not life-threatening. By the time a patient goes to his or her doctor, the lungs have frequently been seriously injured. At this point, the patient may be in danger of developing serious respiratory problems or heart failure.