Turning Blue - Respiratory disease - Chronic Bronchitis

6 important questions on Turning Blue - Respiratory disease - Chronic Bronchitis

What is the anatomic distribution of chronic bronchitis?

Small and large airways

What factors lead to the excessive secretion of mucus in chronic bronchitis?

Inflammation leads to the recruitment of neutrophils which release proteases. Proteases cause hypertrophy of the submucosal glands in the trachea and the bronchi, which results in the hypersecretion of mucus into the large airways. This leads to obstruction in the airways.

Other than hypersecretion of mucus, what else can be seen in chronic bronchitis?

Changes in the structure of the airways may result due to the release of inflammatory mediators.
Secondary infections may lead to acute exacerbations- although they are not a cause for chronic bronchitis, they may play a key role in maintaining the condition (cigarette smoke predisposes infection)
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What are the histological signs of chronic bronchitis?

Enlargement of the mucus secreting glands of the trachea and the bronchioles
Hyperplasia of the goblet cells
Metaplasia and dysplasia of the bronchial epithelium- due to the release of inflammatory mediators
Mucus plugging
Inflammation
Fibrosis
Hyperemia
Swelling
Oedema

What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?

Persistent cough for at least 3 consecutive months within 2 consecutive years.
No other respiratory dysfunction may be seen for years- overtime, hypercapnia, hypoxemia and cynosis may be seen.

What are the consequences of severe chronic bronchitis?

Cor pulmonale and cardiac failure.
Superimposed acute infections may also cause death.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo