15. Chronic bronchitis symptoms in COPD
Chronic bronchitis is not the same as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. However, it is a part of the triad in COPD, and it is a common phenomenon in these patients. Chronic bronchitis in COPD increases the risk of airflow obstruction in patients with emphysema and predisposes them to respiratory infections. It features hypersecretion of mucus that obstructs the small airways, changes in the epithelium of the airways, and changes in airway surface tension.
The most important signs and symptoms include: