Symptoms and Complications
Persistent coughing accompanied by mucus or phlegm is the most obvious symptom
of bronchitis. Lung congestion and wheezing are also common.
Acute bronchitis usually starts out as a dry cough, but within a few
hours or days the cough starts to produce thick mucus. This phlegm typically
has a yellow or greenish color. Wheezing after coughing is usual, and there
might be some chest pain as well. Other symptoms are similar to that of a common
cold, such as muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. A mild fever of about
101°F (38.5°C) may last about four days. A higher temperature, or a
fever that isn't gone within a week, may suggest a bacterial infection such
as pneumonia. It's important to see a doctor in this situation.
Chronic bronchitis features regular coughing and spitting up of a great
deal of thick mucus - up to an ounce a day. This mucus can partly block the
airways, making breathing difficult. The condition is often dismissed as smoker's
cough. The coughing is often ignored until the lungs have already been damaged.
The result is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This can
lead to a chronic lack of oxygen. Signs such as blue lips and nail beds may
be noticed. People with this condition tend to become sedentary. The mucous
in the airways creates a good environment for viruses and bacteria to breed.
This makes people with chronic bronchitis and COPD more prone to other infections
such as pneumonia.
It's important to be aware that symptoms of chronic bronchitis can suddenly
get worse. If your medication no longer seems to be effective, see your doctor
immediately.