Living With Chronic Bronchitis

If you have chronic bronchitis, you can take steps to control your symptoms. Lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage the condition.

Lifestyle Changes

The most important step is to quit smoking or not start smoking. Avoid other lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, fumes, air pollution, and dust. This will help keep your lungs healthy.

Wash your hands often to lower your risk for a viral or bacterial infection. Also, try to stay away from people who have colds or the flu. See your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of a cold or the flu.

Follow a healthy diet and be as physically active as you can. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. A healthy diet also is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugar.

For more information on following a healthy diet, see the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Aim for a Healthy Weight Web site, "Your Guide to a Healthy Heart," and "Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH." All of these resources include general advice about healthy eating.

Ongoing Care

See your doctor regularly and take all your medicines as prescribed. Also, talk to your doctor about getting a yearly flu shot and/or a pneumonia vaccine.

If you have chronic bronchitis, pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab) may help improve your breathing. Pulmonary rehab is a breathing exercise program that's supervised by a respiratory therapist. This is a health care worker who knows about lung treatments. Talk to your doctor about whether rehab may benefit you.

People who have chronic bronchitis often breathe fast. Talk to your doctor about a breathing method called pursed-lip breathing. This breathing method may help you feel better because it slows down your breathing. To do pursed-lip breathing, take a deep breath. Then, slowly breathe out through your mouth. At the same time, hold your lips as if you're going to kiss someone.