Chronic bronchitis is chronic inflammation of the lower airways characterized by excessive secretion of mucus, hypertrophy of mucous glands, and recurring infection, progressing to narrowing and obstruction of airflow.
The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Air pollution, occupational exposures, allergens, and infections may also act as irritants. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficient is an infrequent cause. Complications include respiratory failure, pneumonia or other overwhelming respiratory infection, right heart failure (cor pulmonale), arrhythmias, and depression.
