How Does Smoking Cause Chronic Bronchitis?

Chronic Bronchitis

Smoking causes chronic bronchitis over a period of time as the inhaled smoke irritates and inflames the bronchial tissue and airways. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, increased mucous production and tightness in the chest. Very few people who are non-smokers are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. If they are, there has been some sort of exposure to an air pollutant. Non-smokers who breathe in significant amounts of second-hand smoke are often found in this category.

Smoker's Cough

The tobacco used in smoking products contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and other harmful, poisonous substances. These toxic ingredients cause many problems. Smokers almost always develop what is called a smoker's cough, which is the first sign of chronic bronchitis. This symptom can show up in the first 2 years of smoking.

Bronchitis Defined

Bronchitis means that the tissue of the lungs and airway (the bronchi) are irritated. This irritation causes an overproduction of mucous that further blocks the bronchial tubes. The thick mucous results in a cough as the body works to clear its airways. Quite often, a smoker's cough is productive, meaning mucous is expelled from the lungs. The mucous will be a green, brown or yellow. It can be tinged with blood if the coughing is severe.

Increased Risk of Infection and Disease

In smokers, bronchitis becomes chronic unless they stop smoking. A chronic condition means it is one that lasts for a long time as opposed to acute conditions that heal up quickly. One of the problems is the build up of additional mucous that does not allow the lungs to be free of germs. This is why smokers are more susceptible to colds, flu, asthma and other respiratory disorders.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

If the person continues to smoke, the condition will develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Normal lung function allows the lungs to expand with inhalation and contract, or grow smaller, with exhalation. COPD causes the lungs to lose their elasticity. Air cannot flow freely because the lungs have lost their shape. Once a smoker loses her lung function, there is no way to regain it.

Other Risks and End-Stage COPD

People who smoke for years are at higher risk of developing mouth, throat and lung cancer. Lifetime smokers often spend the end of their lives struggling with emphysema and COPD. All of these debilitating conditions render sufferers unable to catch their breath. Because of the marked decrease in lung function, most end-stage COPD and emphysema patients are dependent on oxygen tanks to breathe.