Chronic bronchitis is characterized by excessive secretion of which substance?

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by excessive secretion of which substance?

• A. Serum
• B. Mucus
• C. Pus
• D. Gas

Answer: (B)

Chronic bronchitis is primarily characterized by excessive secretion of mucus. This condition is part of the spectrum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is defined by a productive cough that persists for at least three months and occurs over two consecutive years. The excessive mucus production results from inflammation and hypertrophy of the mucus-secreting glands in the airways, which is often triggered by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants. The accumulation of mucus leads to narrowed airways, making it difficult for air to flow freely in and out of the lungs, and often results in coughing and wheezing. The mucus also predisposes individuals to recurrent respiratory infections due to the trapped pathogens. In contrast, serum is a component of blood, and its secretion is not relevant to chronic bronchitis. Pus, which indicates an infection or inflammation, is not a characteristic feature of chronic bronchitis itself, though individuals may develop infections that can result in purulent sputum. Gas, referring to air in the lungs, does not pertain to the condition’s defining feature. Thus, mucus is the key substance that significantly marks chronic bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is primarily characterized by excessive secretion of mucus. This condition is part of the spectrum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is defined by a productive cough that persists for at least three months and occurs over two consecutive years. The excessive mucus production results from inflammation and hypertrophy of the mucus-secreting glands in the airways, which is often triggered by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants.

The accumulation of mucus leads to narrowed airways, making it difficult for air to flow freely in and out of the lungs, and often results in coughing and wheezing. The mucus also predisposes individuals to recurrent respiratory infections due to the trapped pathogens.

In contrast, serum is a component of blood, and its secretion is not relevant to chronic bronchitis. Pus, which indicates an infection or inflammation, is not a characteristic feature of chronic bronchitis itself, though individuals may develop infections that can result in purulent sputum. Gas, referring to air in the lungs, does not pertain to the condition’s defining feature. Thus, mucus is the key substance that significantly marks chronic bronchitis.