The problem of the bronchitic patient.

Chronic bronchitis is probably associated with two distinct processes, 'hypersecretory chronic bronchitis' and 'obstructive chronic bronchitis'. These, however, have common causes and typically chronic bronchitis develops as a result of several factors in conjunction. Smoking, air pollution and infection all predispose to chronic bronchitis and elimination of these hazards can slow the progress of the disease.