US Medical Term · conditions
Chronic Bronchitis
Bronquitis crónica
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Chronic Bronchitis |
| Spanish (Español) | Bronquitis crónica |
| Chinese (中文) | 慢性支氣管炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 만성 기관지염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm phế quản mạn tính |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Malalang Bronkitis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Bronquite crônica |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | หลอดลมอักเสบเรื้อรัง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 慢性気管支炎 |
What it means
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes characterized by a productive cough lasting at least three months per year for two or more consecutive years. It is a form of COPD and is most commonly caused by cigarette smoking or long-term exposure to irritants such as dust, fumes, or air pollution. Symptoms include persistent cough with mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, and frequent respiratory infections. There is no cure, but quitting smoking, using inhalers, and pulmonary rehabilitation can manage symptoms effectively and slow disease progression.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have had a chronic cough with mucus every morning for years and was told it could be chronic bronchitis.
He tenido una tos crónica con mucosidad cada mañana durante años y me dijeron que podría ser bronquitis crónica.
What medications can help reduce my chronic bronchitis flare-ups?
¿Qué medicamentos pueden ayudar a reducir los episodios de mi bronquitis crónica?
Should I see a specialist to manage my chronic bronchitis?
¿Debo ver a un especialista para manejar mi bronquitis crónica?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
J42 Unspecified chronic bronchitisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026