The causes of chronic cough are very varied and are related to different systems.

In this article we explain what chronic bronchitis is.

Why does chronic bronchitis trigger coughing?

When we talk about bronchitis We're referring to inflammation and irritation of the airways (bronchi). This inflammation causes more mucus to be produced, which leads to coughing.

When the origin of bronchitis is a respiratory infection, usually viral, and the symptoms last about 5 days, except for the cough, which can last 3 weeks or more, we are dealing with a case of acute bronchitis.

If the inflammation is caused by inhaling toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke, bronchitis would develop over the years as a chronic condition. It is one of the conditions included in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Chronic bronchitis causes coughing because:

• The body attempts to eliminate the overproduction of mucus generated by chronic irritation and inflammation of the airways.
• Inflammation can cause the walls to thicken, making it difficult for air to pass through, triggering the cough reflex to clear the airways.
• In the bronchi, there are cells with cilia (a kind of hair) that move mucus to expel it from the lungs. These cells, due to the inhalation of irritants, are damaged, which impedes the natural clearing of the airways and causes mucus to accumulate, which is eliminated by coughing.
• Continuous exposure to irritants or environmental pollutants keeps inflammation active, perpetuating coughing as a defense mechanism.

Chronic bronchitis is one of the possible causes of cough. If it persists for more than 8 weeks, we are considering a case of chronic cough.

Author: Eva Maroto

References:

1. https://www.msdmanuals.com/es/hogar/breve-informaci%C3%B3n-trastornos-del-pulm%C3%B3n-y-las-v%C3%ADas-respiratorias/bronquitis-aguda/bronquitis-aguda?query=bronquitis
2. https://www.msdmanuals.com/es/professional/trastornos-pulmonares/enfermedad-pulmonar-obstructiva-cr%C3%B3nica-y-trastornos-relacionados/enfermedad-pulmonar-obstructiva-cr%C3%B3nica