A bit confused

Ok So this is a followup from my last question here.This is the thread http://www.medhelp.org/forums/RespiratoryDisorders/messages/3174.html

Anyways you mentioned that it was likely I had chronic bronchitis and that it would probably clear up after a year or more.I also just saw a respirologist a few days ago.He said its likely that I have mild chronic bronchitis and that it would probably get better.He also did one of those quick spirometry tests in his office and it was normal.Im finding it hard to breathe fully though.It as if I cant breathe fully into the front of my chest....maybe mucus in the small peripheral airways.

Anyways Ive done alot of reading online...different studies,etc and they say that chronic bronchitis is not reversible.Yet both you and my doctor said my lungs would probably get better.So Im a bit confused about the contrasting information.Just wondering if you could clear it up for me a bit.Is it because of my young age that it might go away? When you are young with a problem like this do your lungs have more of a chance of returning back to normal?

I'll be getting lung x-rays and other tests next week and seeing the respirologist again soon.I really appreciate your time.Im just trying to get as many opinions from the experts as possible.

Thanks again

[National Jewish]

Chronic bronchitis may or may not be reversible.  In the 60 year old person who has smoked for 40 years, it usually is not.  In a young person who smoked for 5 years, the chances are good that it is reversible.  Until it clears, you will continue to have excessive phlegm.  Some of this could be in the small airways and thus not reflected in the results of simple breathing tests called spirometry.

Good that you are going to see the respirologist again and getting a chest x-ray.

[akaymik85]

"Anyways Ive done alot of reading online...different studies,etc and they say that chronic bronchitis is not reversible.Yet both you and my doctor said my lungs would probably get better."

Chronic bronchitis is a persistant cough for three or more months for at least 2 years.  It is not reversible, but depending upon environment or seasons it will "flare up" or become worse. ie- some people don't have symptoms in the summer but have horrible ones in the winter.