Top symptoms bronchitis Resources

Information on symptoms bronchitis

Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. In general, bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes within the lungs. The inflammation of bronchi leads to formation of mucus and is expelled as phlegm. The phlegm may be muco-purulent and sticky. Smoking is found to be the important cause for bronchitis. Due to excess smoking, the bronchial tubes get irritated and lower their resistance. Changes in weather and environment speed up the disease outbreak. The symptoms vary according to the type of bronchitis an individual acquired. The person with acute bronchitis shows fever, chills, soreness and tightness in the chest. In addition to this, he may have hacking cough and the phlegm appears after 24-48 hrs of cough. The color of the phlegm varied from yellow to green- thick and viscous. The acute bronchitis will produce pain below the breastbone during inspiration and expiration and also shortness of breath. Even after the clearing off the acute bronchitis, dry and nagging cough is noticed that stay behind for several weeks.

Wheezing and breathlessness are the first and foremost symptom of the chronic bronchitis. Persistent cough with yellow, white or green phlegm, which is persisting for more than three months in spite of better care, proves to be a chronic bronchitis. If there is dyspnoea, sometimes this symptom is mistakenly considered as bronchitis, could be emphysema, tuberculosis, heart disease, a serious allergic reaction, asthma, or cancer. If the cough is so persistent or severe and interferes with routine activity of sleeping, there is possibility of damaged sensitive air sacs in the lungs. Acute bronchitis coupled with chronic lung or heart problems or is infected with the virus that causes AIDS; the patients are more prone to serious lung disease, such as pneumonia. If cough persists for more than a week, then the mucus would be darker and thicker, increases in volume or turns bloody. If these symptoms are noticed, immediately the patients should seek the help of medical professionals.

Disclaimer : The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

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