[Pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis].

In patients with airflow obstruction "chronic bronchitis" should be differentiated from emphysema. We are dealing with 2 clinical types: type A, "pink puffer" ( = emphysematous type), and type B, "blue blooter" ( = bronchitic type). Patients with chronic airflow obstruction have very seldom pure bronchitis, mostly both diseases are present at the same time and one dominates the other. It is questionable, if chronic bronchitis is an entity of its own rather than a symptom. It is suggested the term "chronic mucous hypersecretion", be used, rather than "chronic bronchitis", and that the latter be avoided. From a pathophysiological point of view "chronic bronchitis" should not be used synonymous with "chronic airflow obstruction" (CAO) or "chronic airflow limitation" (CAL).