Your lungs have passageways for air to enter and leave called bronchi. If these bronchi become inflamed or irritated you may develop bronchitis. This can happen by being exposed to a virus or after an upper respiratory infection. If you notice the signs or symptoms of bronchitis you need to talk to your doctor. Bronchitis can become chronic. Proper treatment is especially critical in children and the elderly. The good news is that the earlier you start treatment the better your chances of avoiding complications.
Coldike Symptoms
Bronchitis symptoms may be mistaken for a cold especially in the early stages. Bronchitis can also accompany a cold. Your throat may be sore and you can develop a dry cough. You may feel tired, have watery eyes and feel fatigued. A low-grade fever and headache are other common symptoms. The Mayo Clinic states that if you have acute or short-term bronchitis these symptoms can last for up to a week or two. At this stage you can usually get better with rest and by using over-the-counter products to manage your symptoms. Before using any medication, consult with your physician to make sure it will not interact with any other medications you may be on.
Trouble Breathing and Chest Tightness
Bronchitis is sometimes referred to as a chest cold, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your bronchitis persists, your dry cough may start to produce mucus that can be clear, white or yellowish. You may also experience chest pain or tightness and difficulty breathing. At this stage your bronchitis may still get better on its own. However, the CDC recommends calling your doctor if your fever reaches 104 degrees F or higher, your mucus becomes thick, your cough produces blood, your symptoms persist longer than three weeks or your breathing difficulties become severe.
Persistent Cough and Repeated Infections
According to the American Lung Association, if you have an unexplained chronic cough that produces mucus on most days for at least three months out of a year, you may have chronic bronchitis. You may find that your cough is worse first thing in the morning or whenever you are in a damp environment. Your cough may be accompanied by wheezing and it may leave you feeling fatigued. Chronic bronchitis, which is often the result of smoking, can leave you susceptible to repeated respiratory infections and can cause serious lung damage if not treated properly.
