Chronic Bronchitis Description: Chronic bronchitis is characterized by structural changes in the airways of the lungs and enlargement of the mucous glands, which cause coughing and production of sputum. Since chronic bronchitis often coincides with emphysema, it is often difficult for a physician to distinguish between the two. Symptoms: Chronic bronchitis causes shortness of breath and is often accompanied by infection, mucus production, and coughing. A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis is usually made when a patient experiences coughing with sputum on most days for at least three months of a year, for a minimum of two years. Number of Americans diagnosed: About ten million people have chronic bronchitis. Long-term problems/treatments: Lying down at night worsens the condition; patients with advanced disease must sleep sitting up. In late, severe stages, lack of oxygen causes the skin to have a blue cast (cyanosis) and the body becomes swollen from fluid accumulation caused by congestive heart failure. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Bronchitis: Primary Care Management Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.