Bronchitis Symptoms

Expectorating cough produces sputum or phlegm and it is indicative of bronchitis. This is a condition where the membranes that line the airways called bronchi get swollen. As a result, excess mucus is produced and this is released via cough. There are two types of bronchitis – acute and chronic. Each one shows specific bronchitis symptoms.

Acute bronchitis is caused by an infection and it usually lasts for a few weeks until it just ceases on its own. The same viruses that cause the common colds may cause it. The acute bronchitis symptoms include:

•    Slight fever
•    Weak voice
•    Limited speech
•    Difficulty in breathing
•    Headache
•    Nausea
•    Lung aches
•    Body aches
•    Dry cough
•    Cough with mucus

Chronic bronchitis, which is also known as asthmatic bronchitis occurs when the bronchi get swollen. Its symptoms include:

•    Difficulty in breathing
•    Clogged airways
•    Repeated attacks of acute bronchitis
•    Congested chest
•    Wheezing that lasts for weeks and weeks
•    Cough with phlegm
•    Fatigue
•    Physical weakness
•    Runny nose

It is time to call the doctor when you see or experience the following symptoms:

•    Chest cold that lasts over one week
•    High fever (about 102 F)
•    Cough with blood
•    Short breaths
•    Wheezing when breathing

Since bronchitis can lead to pneumonia it can be life threatening. Chronic bronchitis is a major cause of about 120,000 death cases in the United States annually. Among those diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, about 50 percent would die within 10 years.