Chronic bronchitis:
Narrowing of the airways in the lungs
When a person has chronic bronchitis, the airways in his or her lungs are constantly irritated. Because of this irritation, muscles around the airways constrict, making them even smaller and allowing less air to flow through them. Patients with chronic bronchitis have a daily cough because the airways produce a lot of mucus.
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Chronic bronchitis is one type of
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are usually both present in patients with COPD, and together these conditions can make it very hard to breathe properly and carry on normal activities.
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Symptoms of chronic bronchitis can be treated
Some of the changes to the airways in chronic bronchitis can be reduced with medication. Medications like
ProAir® HFA, an inhaler used for treating
COPD symptoms, cause the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing more air to flow into the lungs and providing quick relief for patients with COPD.
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There are other ways that people can
manage COPD symptoms, but the first step is to see a healthcare provider if you think you or someone you know has COPD.
Our
COPD symptoms checklist can help you explain your symptoms to your healthcare provider.
References
- What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html [Accessed June 1, 2010].
- ProAir® HFA Prescribing Information. Teva Respiratory, LLC; 2010.
ProAir
® HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol is indicated in patients 4 years of age and older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Important Safety Information
If your symptoms become significantly worse when you use ProAir
® HFA, contact your doctor immediately. This may indicate either a worsening of your asthma or a reaction to the medication, which may rarely occur with the first use of a new canister of ProAir
® HFA. Either of these could be life-threatening.
What to tell your doctor before using ProAir
® HFA: If you have a heart, blood, or seizure disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid, be sure to tell your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows all the medications you are taking – especially heart medications and drugs that treat depression – because some medications may interfere with how well your asthma medications work. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Side effects associated with ProAir
® HFA included headache, rapid heart beat, pain, dizziness, and irritation of the throat and nose.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.