Final answer:
Bronchodilators are given to someone with chronic bronchitis to relax the muscles of the airways, improving airflow and making breathing easier. Avoiding smoking is critical to managing and slowing the disease's progression. Proper hydration and avoiding certain over-the-counter medications are also part of the treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic bronchitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs, leading to the production of excess mucus which can make breathing difficult. A common treatment for chronic bronchitis is the administration of bronchodilators (BD), which are medications designed to relax the muscles of the airways, thus reducing resistance in the air passage and improving airflow to the lungs.
Bronchodilators help in improving breathing and reducing cough. Smoking cessation is also emphasized as a crucial part of managing and slowing down the progression of chronic bronchitis due to its damaging effects on the respiratory system. In addition, staying hydrated, using humidifiers, and avoiding over-the-counter cough suppressants that could interfere with the expulsion of mucus are advisable strategies that are part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing chronic bronchitis.
People with chronic bronchitis often experience airway obstruction and reduced airflow, which can exacerbate their symptoms. The lung changes associated with chronic bronchitis, such as a breakdown of alveolar walls, can be significantly worsened by tobacco smoking. Therefore, in addition to the use of bronchodilators, quitting smoking is of utmost importance for individuals with this condition. It not only helps in their current management but also plays a significant role in preventing the worsening of their condition into COPD, where lung function progressively declines over time.