Tertiary Respiratory Center
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam.
Chronic Bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition of the bronchi, the large airways in the lungs, characterized by persistent cough and mucus production. It is a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, or chemical fumes. Chronic bronchitis develops gradually and is defined by the presence of a productive cough that lasts for at least three months in two consecutive years. The inflammation leads to the thickening of the bronchial walls and excessive mucus production, which obstructs airflow and makes breathing difficult. Symptoms may include frequent respiratory infections, wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
One of the first major discoveries relevant to the field of pulmonology was the discovery of pulmonary circulation. Originally, it was thought that blood reaching the right side of the heart passed through small ‘pores’ in the septum into the left side to be oxygenated, as theorized by Galen; however, the discovery of pulmonary circulation disproves this theory, which had previously been accepted since the 2nd century. Thirteenth century anatomist and physiologist Ibn Al-Nafis accurately theorized that there was no ‘direct’ passage between the two sides.
