What are the major risk factors for chronic bronchitis?
Risk factors may not be a direct cause of chronic bronchitis, but seem to increase the likelihood of developing chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis can become chronic if:
- you smoke or live with a smoker
- you have low resistance to disease (very old, very young, or have immune disorder)
- you have frequent respiratory infections
- you have acid reflux (GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- you are exposed to lung irritants on the job
- you are exposed to air pollution
To learn more:
- Bronchitis: Risk Factors
(MayoClinic.com)
- The Mayo Clinic describes the different factors that put people at risk for developing chronic bronchitis.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/symptoms-causes/d
xc-20315101 - COPD Causes and Risk Factors
(WebMD)
- This site provides information about the factors that contribute to COPD. It lists factors people can and can't control.
- https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/what-causes-copd#1
- COPD: Learn More, Breathe Better
(National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute)
- This gives several risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and what people can do to prevent the disease.
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/lung/copd-atrisk.pdf
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Written by: Lillian Trettin, Ph.D.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey G. Schultze, M.D.
Last Modified: Thursday October 31, 2019 10:12 AM