Chronic bronchitis in elderly: Causes and prevention

According to a WHO report, there are more than 251 million cases of COPD in the world in 2016 and the numbers have just increased every year. It is said to be the primary cause of over 5% of deaths globally. In India alone, there are over 10 million cases according to the Indian Study of Asthma, Respiratory Symptoms and Chronic Bronchitis’ (INSEARCH) study.

So what exactly is Chronic Bronchitis and why does it have such devastating effects? Let’s find out.

Bronchitis is an illness that occurs when the airways or passages that carry air to your lungs, called the bronchial tubes get inflamed and swollen and obstruct breathing. This obstruction makes a person develop a cough and mucus build up. When Bronchitis takes longer to dissipate (approximately2-3 months) and reoccurs frequently, it is known as Chronic Bronchitis.

There are two types of Chronic Bronchitis. One that develops in childhood, while the other develops due to the environmental and lifestyle factors and take place in adulthood. Chronic Bronchitis that develops in adults is known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Bronchitis that develops in childhood is either acute bronchitis or allergic bronchitis. When bronchitis is not treated in childhood, it can develop into chronic bronchitis.

Causes of chronic bronchitis

• Atypical bacteria commonly cause mild infections to the respiratory system and can also cause chronic bronchitis. Exposure to pollution can lead to chronic bronchitis. When it comes to chronic bronchitis in the elderly, indoor pollution such as coal and biomass fuels such as wood, grass, or dung, which are used for cooking and heating can largely contribute as well.
• Smoking is yet another major chronic bronchitis cause. 

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis

Coughing is the most evident chronic bronchitis symptom. Other symptoms of bronchitis that might occur are:

• Inability to keep up with the daily routine

• Wheezing sounds when breathing
• Tightness or dull pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

With chronic bronchitis, the airways become obstructed and the lungs don’t empty properly, which leaves air trapped inside the lungs.  

All the mucus in the lungs causes people to experience chronic bronchitis  symptoms such as wheezing, headaches, chest pains, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and a chronic cough (dry or with phlegm). The shortness of breath and weakness from the condition can also lead to an increased risk for falls.