Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
(AECB)
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis belongs to a larger family of medical conditions known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The term COPD is given to any condition that causes difficulty in breathing as a result of constant blocking of the airways.
Bronchitis is said to occur when the airways in the lungs (bronchial tubes) become partly clogged with large amounts of mucus and become narrowed due to inflammation and swelling. These symptoms typically result in a chronic cough. When cough and sputum have been present for more than 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years, the condition is called chronic bronchitis. In North America, about 1 in 20 people suffers from chronic bronchitis.
Smoking for many years causes about 90% of chronic bronchitis cases, and the great majority of people with chronic bronchitis are over 45 years of age. The risk of chronic bronchitis is also increased in workers employed in certain occupations such as coal mining, welding, asbestos work, or grain handling.
When breathing suddenly becomes more difficult for a person with chronic bronchitis, he or she may be experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). During an acute exacerbation, breathing becomes much more difficult because of further narrowing of the airways and secretion of large amounts of mucus that is often thicker than usual.
Causes of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
The further narrowing of airways in people with chronic bronchitis that results in AECB can be caused by allergens (e.g., pollens, wood or cigarette smoke, pollution), toxins (a variety of different chemicals), or acute viral or bacterial infections. This is because the extra mucus in the airways of a person with chronic bronchitis provides a good place for viruses and bacteria to grow.
Bacterial infections are usually associated with mucus that turns a yellow or greenish colour and is typically much thicker than usual. Coloured mucus does not necessarily mean the person has a bacterial infection, however.
Symptoms and Complications of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
AECB is associated with increased frequency and severity of coughing, and it is often accompanied by worsened chest congestion and discomfort. If the acute exacerbation is due to a bacterial infection, the sputum may be slightly streaked with blood and coloured yellow or green. In many cases of AECB, shortness of breath and wheezing are present.
People suffering from an acute exacerbation caused by infection may feel weak and have fever and chills. Doctors may recommend a chest X-ray for people with fever and especially with blood in their sputum to ensure that pneumonia is not the cause for these symptoms. Blood in the sputum may also indicate other medical conditions and should be reported to your physician promptly.
Last reviewed: July 2, 2010
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