According to reports, the most common cause of inflammation is prolonged and regular exposure to lung irritants. During this long-term exposure:
- The patient inhales the irritants.
- The irritants come in contact with bronchi and produce an inflammatory reaction.
- Since the exposure is prolonged and regular, the inflammatory response continues to happen, resulting in excessive production of mucus.
- The excessive mucus often results in a productive cough, sometimes also called “smoker’s cough”.
- Over time, this inflammatory reaction can also lead to bronchial narrowing or stiffening.
When it comes to chronic bronchitis causes, you must be wondering: what “lung irritants” can trigger the inflammation?
To discuss them in detail, let’s proceed with the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for chronic bronchitis.
Modifiable Risk Factors
The following modifiable risk factors will answer the question, what lung irritants can cause chronic bronchitis?
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking is the main risk factor in chronic bronchitis. In fact, up to 90% of chronic bronchitis patients are smokers or people who used to smoke.
Living with a Smoker
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