Causes of Bronchitis - Historical Perspective

Throughout history it has been recognized that respiratory illness often results in coughing and excess mucus. An examination of historical medical writings show that pollution and smoke filled air were identified as the main causes of bronchitis in earlier times.

Today chronic bronchitis is recognized as one of one of the main respiratory diseases caused by smoking. Its presence always means that emphysema is developing and the two conditions co-exist together as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bernard Garston wrote in 1961:

"There is a definite association between cigarette smoking and chronic bronchitis, the factor of having smoked cigarettes at all, for any length of time, being relevant. Cigarette smokers nearly always have an excess of bronchial mucus, which may predispose to chronic bronchitis."

The Natural History, Pathology, and Treatment of Bronchitis
CHEST November 1961 vol. 40 no. 5 530-538

Fifty years later the smoking facts are clear:

"The evidence is sufficient to infer a causal relationship between active smoking and all major respiratory symptoms among adults, including coughing, phlegm, wheezing, and dyspnea."

2004 US Surgeon General's Report
Executive Summary p5

If You Like Breathing Make Sure You Read More of These Smoking Facts

What is COPD? - Smoking Facts on Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic obstructive lung disease describes the coexistence of Emphysema and chronic bronchitis which almost always exist together and are two lung diseases caused by smoking.

Smoking and Emphysema - The Facts on Emphysema and the Effects of Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking and emphysema are cause and effect. The facts on emphysema reveal that the damage caused to the lungs is irreversible.

Causes of Emphysema - Smoking Facts on What Causes Emphysema

Cigarette smoke tops the list for causes of emphysema. Significant harmful smoking effects on the body occur with repeated damage from hot smoke and cigarette tar. A deficiency of certain enzymes and certain occupational exposures are much rarer causes of emphysema.

Blood Clots in Your Lungs - The Smoking Facts about Pulmonary Emboli :

The smoking facts show that pulmonary emboli carry a significant risk of death and there are few if any warning signs of the blood clot formation.

What is Bronchitis? - The Smoking Facts About Acute and Chronic Bronchitis

One of the main smoking effects on the body is chronic irritation of the airways and destruction of the protective functions that keep the airways clean.

Causes of Bronchitis - The Facts about Smoking and Chronic Bronchitis :

One of the diseases caused by smoking is bronchitis. Smokers are more likely to get acute bronchitis and need a longer time to recover.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax - The Facts About Smoking and a Collapsed Lung :

Smokers are more prone to develop a collapsed lung that occurs without any identifiable injury to the chest cavity.