慢性 支气管炎

迹象 & 症状

People with chronic bronchitis develop a persistent mucus-producing cough that is present most days of the month, 或者连续两年一年中的三个月. Other 症状 include frequent clearing of the throat and shortness of breath.

诊断

慢性支气管炎的诊断, your doctor will begin by conducting a thorough physical examination, recording your medical history and asking about any 症状 you are experiencing.

The following 测试s may then be conducted to make a definite diagnosis:

• 肺功能检查（PFT）. 这 测试 involves a series of breathing maneuvers that measure the airflow and volume of air in your lungs. 这 allows your doctor to objectively assess the function of your lungs.
• 高分辨率计算机断层扫描（HRCT）. 这是一种特殊的 CT扫描 that provides your doctor with high-resolution images of your lungs. Having a HRCT is no different than having a regular CT扫描; they both are performed on an open-air table and take only a few minutes.
• 胸部x光片. 胸部x光检查 can help confirm a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis and rule out other lung conditions.
• 痰液检查. Analysis of cells in your sputum can help determine the cause of some lung problems.

治疗

The goal of therapy for chronic bronchitis is to relieve 症状, prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease. Quitting smoking is also essential for patients with chronic bronchitis, since continuing to use tobacco will only further damage the lungs. 我们的烟草教育中心提供 类 as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. We help smokers maximize the likelihood of success in their efforts to quit.

治疗包括：

• 支气管扩张剂治疗. 喷雾吸入或口服, bronchodilator medications may help to relieve 症状 of chronic bronchitis by relaxing and opening the air passages in the lungs.
• 类固醇. Inhaled as an aerosol spray, steroids can help relieve 症状 of chronic bronchitis. 随着时间的推移, 然而, 吸入类固醇会产生副作用, 比如骨骼变弱, 高血压, 糖尿病和白内障. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor before using steroids.
• 抗生素. 抗生素 may be used to help fight respiratory infections common in people with chronic bronchitis.
• 疫苗. 病人 with chronic bronchitis should receive a flu shot annually and pneumonia shot every five to seven years to prevent infections.
• 氧气疗法. 随着病人病情的发展, they may find it increasingly difficult to breathe on their own and may require supplemental oxygen. Oxygen comes in various forms and may be delivered with different devices, 包括那些你可以在家里使用的.
• 手术. 肺减容手术, 在此过程中，受损肺组织的小楔形被移除, 是否可推荐用于某些慢性支气管炎患者.
• 肺康复. An important part of chronic bronchitis treatment is pulmonary rehabilitation, 包括教育, 营养咨询, 学习特殊的呼吸技巧, 帮助戒烟和开始锻炼养生. Because people with chronic bronchitis are often physically limited, 他们可能会避免任何形式的体育活动. However, regular physical activity can actually improve a patient's health and wellbeing.