Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis

Studies have shown that many people suffering from chronic bronchitis experience acute exacerbations about twice a year. However, there is wide variation and some patients may experience up to eight exacerbations each year.

Frequent exacerbations can cause long term damage to the lungs, with around 20 per cent of patients requiring treatment in hospital.

Causes of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (AECB)

Around 80 per cent of all acute exacerbations involve infections. The other 20 per cent are due to other non-infectious causes including allergic reactions, environmental pollutants, not taking medication that has been prescribed and low outside temperatures.

When you have bronchitis, the airways in your lungs become irritated and produce thick mucus which makes it harder for air to reach your lungs. The extra mucus stops the tiny hairs in your airways, known as cilia, working properly to get rid of dirt and germs. This means you are more at risk of a respiratory tract infection, which causes inflammation and an exacerbation of your symptoms.

To treat the infection itself you may need to take antibiotics.

More about chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a serious long-term disorder that often requires regular medical treatment. It is caused when your lungs become inflamed, causing progressive lung damage.

The word chronic means that you have had the condition for a long time. ‘Chronic bronchitis’ is bronchitis that lasts longer than three months, for two years running. This is different from acute bronchitis, which lasts just a few days or weeks and is usually caused by a viral infection.

Chronic bronchitis often occurs with emphysema and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It most commonly affects older people, usually smokers or ex-smokers, although it can be caused by smoke, dust, or exposure to chemicals and environmental pollutants.

What happens if I have chronic bronchitis?

As the airways in your lungs become more irritated, they produce thick mucus which makes it harder for air to reach your lungs. The extra mucus stops the tiny hairs in your airways, known as cilia, working properly to get rid of dirt and germs. This means you are more at risk of a respiratory tract infection, which will cause a worsening (exacerbation) of your symptoms from time to time. To find out more about exacerbations, click here

You may experience some symptoms including a feeling of tightness in the chest and a permanent cough that produces excessive mucus.

The information provided on this website does not replace a consultation with a medical professional. If you have any concern about your condition please contact a medical professional.