Chronic Bronchitis

A severe form of bronchitis.  It is defined by a persistent cough and sputum (the liquid secretions that comes up from the lungs when a person coughs) on most days for at least three months.  It is a slowly progressing form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), limiting air flow in the lungs and causing a persistent cough and shortness of breath.  Quality of life worsens ad the disease progresses.  There is currently no known cure, though medications, oxygen, and exercise help relieve symptoms.