Bronchitis Symptoms
The early symptoms of bronchitis could easily be confused with those of the common cold. If these symptoms remain for longer than a week it would be wise to see your doctor to confirm whether or not you are in fact suffering from bronchitis.
There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Bronchitis symptoms common to both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis are painful irritated and swollen bronchial tubes.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lung's bronchi. The bronchi connect the trachea or windpipe to the smaller air passages called bronchioles and through the bronchioles to the alveoli where the oxygen is absorbed by the blood.
Acute bronchitis symptoms
Acute bronchitis symptoms usually arise as a result of a viral infection following on from a cold or sore throat and generally last for one to two weeks.
The acute form of bronchitis is generally more common in the winter months.
Common symptoms include:
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A wheezing sound when breathing or shortness of breath
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A sudden onset cough which doesn't seem to go away (the cough may be dry or may produce phlegm)
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Tissues required to kept handy by a runny nose
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A sore, painful, itching or scratching throat.
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A headache with pain also felt in the neck and back.
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Chills, shivering, and paleness
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Elevated body temperature - acute bronchitis is often accompanied by a slight fever
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Malaise - a feeling of general bodily discomfort, "aches and pains".
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Back and muscle pain - muscle pain and aching bones
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The final symptom of the passing of acute bronchitis may be a dry, nagging cough which lasts for several weeks.
Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms
In chronic bronchitis, the lung's airway are coated with too much phlegm to which the body responds with violent coughing in an attempt to get rid of the excess. Chronic bronchitis can last from around a month to several years.
Acute bronchitis symptoms may also be present in chronic bronchitis, and they may be more severe.
The following symptoms are generally only present in chronic bronchitis:
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Bluish skin color (cyanosis) caused by insufficient oxygenation of the blood's hemoglobin.
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Swelling of the feet and hands (edema) caused by excessive lymph fluid accumulating in these body tissues.
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Heart Failure - a complication of chronic bronchitis where in the heart is not able to properly pump blood to the body.
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Clubbing of the fingers - where the finger tips enlarge and the nails become extremely curved.
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Difficult or laboured breathing, "air hunger" (Dyspnea)
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Shortness of breath in exercise or during excessive movement.
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Excessive mucus secretion
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Lung or respiratory tract infection.
An ordinary persistent cold or cough should not be taken for granted - it may be the early stage of Bronchitis and treating it early could prevent it from developing into full-blown bronchitis.
Since several bronchitis symptoms are common to other respiratory problems, diagnosis by your doctor is recommended. Your doctor will not only be able to confirm if you are indeed suffering from bronchitis, but will be able to tell if you are suffering from the acute or chronic type. Laboratory tests may be required to definitively distinguish your condition which your doctor will recommend if required.
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