Bronchitis is a condition where the lining inside the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a secondary reaction to an infection or cold and generally comes and goes without returning. But when it is chronic, it can keep re-occurring and medical attention is generally needed to get rid of it.
Step 1
Pay attention to the way you breathe. Since the the bronchial tubes are the pathway of air in and out of your lungs, you may have a hard time breathing with chronic bronchitis. This is due to the inflammation of the airways. This can be seen even with the slightest exertion.
Step 2
Observe your cough. Coughing is one of the major symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis. With chronic bronchitis, you can experience a worsening of the cough when the weather is damp or in the mornings.
Step 3
See what you are coughing up. Mucus is a substance that the body produces to trap bacteria and expel it from the body. When you have chronic bronchitis, mucus can be coughed up or be present in the nasal passageways. It is usually either green or yellowish colored.
Step 4
Monitor how often you get sick. Colds, flus and respiratory infections can happen often when you have chronic bronchitis. These can also come accompanied with a mucus-forming cough which is called "productive."
Step 5
Be on guard for other symptoms. Some other signs and symptoms that generally appear with chronic bronchitis include chills, fever, wheezing, discolored lips, swollen feet and an uncomfortable feeling in the chest.
