Chronic inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles is called?

Appeared in: IGIMS Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles.
Chronic bronchitis is clinically defined as a persistent productive cough for at least 3 months in 2 consecutive years.
It is caused by long-term irritation of the airways, leading to mucus gland hypertrophy and excessive mucus production.
This condition is a major component of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Option B: Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of the alveolar walls (the tiny air sacs in the lungs), not inflammation of the bronchi. This leads to enlarged airspaces and impaired gas exchange.
Option C: Bronchiectasis involves permanent, irreversible dilation and destruction of the bronchial walls, not just inflammation. It is often a result of severe or recurrent infections.
Option D: Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by reversible airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and bronchospasm. The inflammation in asthma is episodic and reversible, unlike the persistent nature of chronic bronchitis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Chronic bronchitis is a key component of COPD, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nurses play a vital role in managing these patients.
Nursing assessment for a patient with suspected chronic bronchitis includes evaluating the history of cough, sputum characteristics (amount, color, consistency), and exposure to risk factors like smoking.
Patient education is crucial, focusing on smoking cessation, avoiding respiratory irritants, medication adherence, and recognizing signs of an exacerbation (e.g., increased sputum, change in sputum color, increased dyspnea).

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem to identify the key concepts: 'chronic inflammation' and the specific location, 'bronchi and bronchioles'.
The suffix '-itis' in medicine means inflammation. Therefore, 'bronchitis' literally means inflammation of the bronchi.
Evaluate each option based on its core definition.
Emphysema relates to alveolar destruction, not primarily bronchial inflammation.
Bronchiectasis involves permanent dilation, a more advanced structural change than just inflammation.
Asthma involves reversible inflammation and bronchospasm.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 2 (215-514) p. 56-58

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