What condition is indicated by the term chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is characterized primarily by persistent irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages that lead to the lungs. This condition is often due to long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or environmental pollutants. The irritation leads to increased mucus production, which can cause chronic cough and difficulty in breathing.

This condition does not primarily indicate an infection of the lungs, which would more appropriately be referred to as pneumonia or bronchopneumonia. It also does not describe a blockage of airways in a way that suggests a physical obstruction, nor does it result primarily from an allergic reaction, even though allergens can contribute to bronchial irritation in some individuals. Chronic bronchitis specifically focuses on the ongoing inflammation and scarring of the bronchial tubes, leading to the characteristic symptoms and implications for respiratory function.