Bronchitis, Chronic

Incidence in USA: 14 million

Race with highest prevalence: Caucasian

M:F ratio 1:2

Smoking, second-hand smoke, occupational exposure to pulm toxic substances (radon, coal, silicates, and asbestos)

Bronchospasm

Airway stimulation at light levels of anesthesia

Laryngospasm (due to secretions and hyperreactivity)

Hypoxia

Hypercarbia

Chronic productive cough with periodic exacerbations (most d for at least 3 mo and for at least 2 consecutive y)

Enlargement of the mucus-secreting glands in the airways with excessive sputum production

Obstruction of expiratory airways

Derangement in V/Q relationships

Chronic hypoxia with right heart failure

Exacerbations with intercurrent bacterial or viral infections