Chronic Bronchitis with COPD

[michaelm700]

Hi all,

I've only had COPD for a year. Just wondering how many have constant bronchitis and cough up phlegm. Is this a normal part of COPD?

thanks

[Ergendl]

Dear MichaelM, it's not always a part of COPD as I've been diagnosed with moderate COPD and rarely cough up anything at all. However, from the other posts I've read it sounds as if it is for a lot of others. Hopefully someone who experiences that will come along soon and offer the benefit of their experience. M

[stone-UK]

Hi

COPD is a umbrella term for bronchitis and emphysema you can have both.

Heavy mucus production is associated with bronchitis.

If you have emphysema with mild bronchitis which is quite common you will have a cough and produce more than normal mucus.

[Smiler1982]

Hi Michael, I don't know much about chronic bronchitis as my Father has Emphysema, but what I do know is the condition causes a person’s lungs to become very inflamed and will commonly affect the windpipe and passageways in the lungs. Chronic Bronchitis is the result of severe irritation or infection that can be short-lived or ongoing. When chronic bronchitis is present, the body’s natural reaction is to clear the air passages. Resulting in severe coughing amongst those who have it.

I would say keep an eye on the colour of your phlem, If you see any changes such as yellow or green speak to your GP.

I hope this helps, even just a little

Take care of yourself

Katie x

[scorpiolass]

Hi Michael, it was 'normal' for me but my copd does not stay static. I am mostly bronchietic and at times I cough a lot and get very breathless on movement. I get infections frequently, generally feeling weak and unwell. At these times i use antibiotics and oral steroids.

But i haven't had an infection for about a year and my fev1 has moved from severe to moderate. I am able to do so much more. If you smoke, stop, and try to exercise and walk every day. Wishing you well, margaret

[sassy59]

Hi Michael, Pete has the bronchitis part of COPD plus sarcoidosis and coughs up lots of mucous every day. Some people don't seem to be affected in that way but some do. Wishing you well. xxx

[hallentine47]

I second everything said by Stone below.

[PollyP]

Hi Michael, I have COPD, and always have a lot of coughing at the start of the day, this is the inflammatory component of COPD. When I have used my inhaler Seretide, then the inflammation settles down. At times of flare ups/exacerbations then I use oral steroid tablets. You have said how you were diagnosed, what medication you are on or if you see a member of the respiratory team?

The BLF have a really helpful helpline too, always worth a call to them if you can't find the answer you need.

Keep well and happy

Polly

[monkey65]

Just wondered if your diagnosis was via CT scan or just spirometer/breathing tests? While a cough can be part of COPD it is possible you could have another condition alongside. Quite a few of us also have bronchiectasis which is different to emphysema and causes a phlegm you cough. Talk to your docs about it.

[Anilbhard]

It is. I have chronic bronchitis and get Lot of phlegm. I have an excellent pulmonologist who has put me on nebulization + mild antibiotic nebulizer.

Now she has advised Physio therapy and since past one month Thru spl exercise lot of phlegm has come out and feeling better.