Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds
Introduction
If you have emphysema or chronic
bronchitis, you know how miserable it feels
when you catch a cold. After all, breathing is difficult enough with a
chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Not only does catching a cold worsen your
ability to breathe and be active, but the cold virus increases your chance of
getting a more serious respiratory tract infection. Here's what you must know to
stay well.
What is emphysema and chronic bronchitis?
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are chronic (long-term) lung diseases that
make it hard to breathe. Both diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary
diseases (COPD), meaning they are conditions that cause a limitation in airflow.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis can occur separately or together and are
usually the result of cigarette smoking. In addition, although it happens
rarely, a genetic form of emphysema can occur early in adulthood, even if you
never smoked.
In the United States, COPD is vastly under diagnosed. While only 15 to 20
percent of smokers are diagnosed with COPD, experts believe the majority of
smokers develop some degree of airflow obstruction.
Emphysema comes on gradually after years of exposure to irritants such as
cigarette smoke. With emphysema, the tiny air sacs in the lungs become damaged.
Because the tiny sacs lose their "stretch," less air gets in and out of the
lungs. This causes you to feel short of breath.
With chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air to the lungs are inflamed
and produce a lot of mucus. The mucus and inflammation cause the airways to
narrow or become obstructed, making it difficult to breathe. Once the airways
are irritated over a long period, the lining of the airways becomes thickened.
This thickening of the airways results in an
irritating cough, hampered airflow,
and lung scarring. The damaged airways then become a breeding place for
bacterial infections such as pneumonia.
Next: What happens with emphysema and chronic bronchitis and colds? »
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