What occurs with chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by persistent inflammation of the airways, leading to several physiological changes in the respiratory system. In this condition, the airways become narrower primarily because of the inflammatory response, which causes swelling and increased mucus production. The chronic irritation from factors such as smoking or environmental pollutants stimulates the goblet cells in the airway lining to produce excess mucus, worsening the narrowing of the air passageways.

The increased mucus serves as a barrier to airflow, making it difficult for patients to breathe and often resulting in a productive cough as the body attempts to clear the excess mucus. This condition is part of a broader spectrum known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and highlights the relationship between inflammation, airway obstruction, and mucus production. Understanding this mechanism is crucial to managing and treating chronic bronchitis, as interventions often focus on reducing inflammation and mucus production to improve airflow and ease symptoms.