Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the air passages to the lungs. Bronchitis is typically caused by a cold or other virus infection that spreads to the respiratory organs of the body. Bronchitis starts in the nose or throat and spreads to the lungs. Being able to recognize the symptoms is important because treating the symptoms can help bronchitis to improve and even clear up within a few days.
Chest and Cough Symptoms
The most common symptom of bronchitis is a cough. It typically starts as a dry, nagging cough but it can turn into a cough that produces mucus (also known as sputum). The sputum may be clear, white or yellowish-gray. Sputum that is yellow-green is typically a sign that you have some type of bacterial infection. It is important you try to cough up as much sputum as possible to rid your lungs of fluid. Prolonged presence of sputum can worsen the infection and prolong the bronchitis. You might experience a nagging cough for weeks after the bronchitis has cleared. You may also experience a sore throat, chest discomfort or chest congestion while you have coughing symptoms.
Respiratory Symptoms
In addition to a cough, many patients experience wheezing or shortness of breath. It is more noticeable during physical exertion or physical exercise. As a result, many people feel fatigue or exhaustion and find it difficult to accomplish normal tasks. Keeping track of the progression of your respiratory symptoms is important. Sharing this information with your doctor is helpful for him to better understand your symptoms and differentiate between acute and chronic symptoms.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Because bronchitis is an infection, it's not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms such as a low grade fever (102 degrees F or less), nausea, chills or body aches. For some, trying to cough up sputum can trigger a gag reflex, causing some vomiting.
