Why does chronic bronchitis cause edema?

Let’s talk about the swollen elephant in the room- edema caused by chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a long-standing cough that lasts for at least three months, and can often lead to pesky swelling or fluid retention commonly known as “edema”.

To understand why this happens, we need first to have a basic understanding of what causes chronic bronchitis.

Understanding Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis occurs when there is inflammation in our airways causing mucus buildup (cue dramatic music). The airway becomes narrower and limits airflow in and out of the lungs. This constant irritation results in an everyday cough accompanied by excessive amounts of phlegm production.

One major contributor to this disorder has been cigarette smoke (shocker) which exposes our lungs to various chemicals like carcinogens (known cancer-causing agents). However, other irritants like chemical fumes or dust can also be culprits behind chroninc bronochitris ruining your day.

What exactly is edema?

Before diving into how chronic bronchitis leads to swelling, let’s define what we mean by “edema.” Edema refers to abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues that result from cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, kidney failure or liver cirrhosis etc.

In other words ? think puffy ankles after standing all day at work or squishy fingers on those mornings you wake up feeling like ‘vore’. Let’s not forget pregnant women too! That “water” weight they gain towards their third trimester? Yep! You guessed it- Edemas are everywhere!

Fun fact: Many people confuse lymphedma with edemaneither – even though they are NOT one in the same but know for certain neither should be taken lightly!

How Does Chronic Bronc hitis Cause Edema?

Now comes the moment we have been waiting for (drumroll, please)- how does chronic bronchitis cause edema?

1. Decreased Oxygenation

When there is inflammation in our airways (cue dramatic music) it causes the walls of nasal blood vessels to become leaky, which allows plasma containing fluid and white blood cells that fight infections to move from the bloodstream into lung tissues including alveolar spaces- this means lower oxygen levels due to decreased gas exchange.

This leads to an imbalance in hydrostatic pressure within your lungs. In simpler terms: gravity pulls water down, and fluids begin collecting at areas of high-pressure zones within our body.

As a result – swelling typically occurs whether internally or external.

Fun fact: Nobody really knows why gravity is such a bully!

2. Impacted Circulation

Chronic inflammation also affects cardiovascular function by constricting veins/arteries impeding the return of blood flow ?. This eventually has repercussions on other body parts like heart muscle enlargement, kidney disease formation because circulation issues also lead precursor buildup towards hypertension ultimately leading to edemas one way or another.

It’s important to note that when circulatory function begins impacting bodily processes – you may not even notice until these visuals like swollen hands after standing all day starts taking over!

Sidenote: If you’re experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain while doing mundane activities like fetching groceries upstairs or hiking then get yourself checked out as soon as possible.

Treatment Options:

Treating Chronic Bronchitis needs lifestyle changes aside from medical interventions but what about Edemas developed from chronic bronchitis?

Here are some treatment options that might help reduce the swelling caused by chronic bronchitis:

Medications

One option could be diuretics; These medicines encourage urine output- decreasing fluid retention chances drastically reducing Edema symptoms with continued use ?.

Pursed Lip Breathing Techniques

Taking control of your breathing is also essential when dealing with chronic Bronchitis-related Edema. This technique teaches you how to breathe slowly and deeply through your nostrils, then exhale slowly as if blowing out a candle flame — pursing the lips in the process. In other words, it’s almost like whistling but instead- just refrain from doing too much ‘jazz hands’ ?.

This exercise can help reduce fatigue and prevent shortness of breath – perfect for those times when you feel like wearing ankle weights everyday at work!

Lifestyle Changes

Because living an active life plays such a vital role in bronchial circulation so try engaging with mild diaphragmatic exercises or yoga (something gentle to start).

However be patient because it will take time before seeing any changes due to habit formation.

Fun fact: Whistle sports were once used as an aerobic workout regimen by professional athletes.

Summing Up:

Chronic bronchitis may cause edema, which manifests itself through swelling in various parts of our bodies. This happens because chronic inflammation caused by chronic bronchitis impacts both oxygenation and circulation processes within bodily tissues resulting over time creating what we know today as “Edemas”.

Treating Chronic Bronchitis involves adding lifestyle changes aside from medical interventions alongside monitoring symptoms related specifically towards swelling such as water retention levels or increased feelings of puffiness ?

So folks don’t forget – Keep sipping on that tea ?, use those inhalers regularly ??‍♂️and keep moving around even if all you desire is becoming one with couch.?

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