Chronic bronchitis is most strongly associated with which feature?

• A. Reduced mucus production
• B. Increased mucus production due to gland hypertrophy
• C. Alveolar destruction
• D. Bronchial cartilage destruction

Answer: (B)

Chronic bronchitis is driven by mucus overproduction from enlarged mucus-secreting glands in the larger airways. This gland hypertrophy increases the amount of mucus that the airways produce, leading to the classic productive cough and mucus plugging seen in chronic bronchitis. The Reid index, which compares the thickness of the mucous gland layer to the overall bronchial wall thickness, is increased in this condition, reflecting that gland enlargement.

Reduced mucus production would lessen productive coughing and isn’t characteristic. Alveolar destruction points to emphysema, not chronic bronchitis. Destruction of bronchial cartilage isn’t a defining feature of chronic bronchitis.