Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

Chronic bronchitis is a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts for three months or more per year for at least two years. If you have chronic bronchitis, you’re likely to have periods when your cough or other symptoms worsen. At those times, you may have an acute infection on top of chronic bronchitis. Most people with chronic bronchitis have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Please see Bronchitis section for all details on cause, symptoms and management.

What would physiotherapy treatment for chronic bronchitis involve?

At Respiratory Physiotherapy Ireland, Our physiotherapists will ensure you receive specialised treatment for your chronic bronchitis Depending on the severity and type of your bronchitis, your treatment may involve:

• Secretion clearance:
  • Active Cycle of Breathing
  • Autogenic Drainage
  • Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP)
  • Oscillating positive expiratory pressure
  • Effective / productive coughing techniques.
  • Postural drainage in sitting and lying.
  • Manual techniques, including percussion and vibrations
• Breathing techniques:
  • Controlling respiratory rate
  • Diaphragmatic breathing
  • Relaxation breathing exercises
• Education and Advice:
  • Illness cause and progression.
  • Effects of environmental and allergen factors, including smoking.
  • Medication management
• Exercise Assessment and Prescription
  • Those experiencing dyspnoea on exertion (even mild dyspnoea) may benefit from a formal exercise program. A formal exercise program generally includes aerobic and resistance training. Exercise training includes intensity, frequency, duration, type, mode and progression based on the severity and type of bronchitis. 

Summary

In most cases, bronchitis will clear up by itself within a few weeks without the need for treatment. This type of bronchitis is known as acute bronchitis.

In some cases, the symptoms of bronchitis can last much longer. If symptoms last for at least three months, it is known as chronic bronchitis. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are several medications to help relieve symptoms.

At respiratory physiotherapy Ireland, our physiotherapists can provide specialised therapy and treatment techniques to manage your symptoms and best level of function for chronic bronchitis.