Bronchitis Symptoms

Bronchitis is an infection that affects the bronchial tubes of lungs. In this condition there is acute inflammation of air passages in the lungs. These air passages extend from trachea to the small airways as well as the alveoli. The bronchitis symptoms usually begin within 3 to 4 days after an infection like cold or influenza. In this condition the mucous lining of the airways tends to become swollen and irritated. This infection tends to affect a lot of smokers and it occurs mostly during the cold as well as flu season.

This condition and the associated bronchitis symptoms may be caused by viruses and bacteria like mycoplasma pneumoniae. People with weakened immune system are also more susceptible to suffering from bronchitis. Inhalation of chemical pollutants, dust and other allergens as well as irritants can also give rise to bronchitis. The diagnosis of the condition can be made after excluding other conditions like pneumonia, tonsillitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis. This condition is observed largely during winter months.

The symptoms of this condition includes cough which may first start off as dry cough. After this the cough may include mucus in the lungs and this mucus may be yellow, green or clear. In some cases streaks of blood may be present in the mucus.

Mild fever is also a part of bronchitis symptoms. The fever is often less than 101F. People suffering from bronchitis also tend to feel tired and get a feeling of tightness along with dull pain or burning in the chest region. This pain is usually persistently felt underneath the breastbone and it tends to get worse when the person coughs or breathes deeply.

Bronchitis symptoms also include whistling or wheezing noises that are heard while breathing particularly after physical exertion. Those suffering from this condition also tend to suffer from hoarseness. With repeated infections the bronchial tubes may experience thickening and distortion and the infection may cause scars on the lungs. This may adversely affect the breathing and persistent coughing may result in soreness in chest as well as abdominal muscles. The other bronchitis symptoms include nasal congestion, muscle aches and chills. Bronchitis may result have permanent effects of lungs and hamper proper breathing.

With chronic bronchitis breathing may become extremely difficult due to persistent coughing. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if fever lasts for more than three days and if the cough has mucus streaked with blood. It is also important to seek medical attention if you are suffering from underlying conditions like heart or lung problems. Those who smoke are at the greatest risk of suffering from bronchitis so it is advisable to give up smoking. The treatment of bronchitis largely depends on the severity of symptoms. Bronchodilators may be used to reduce airway obstruction and to evenly distribute air through the lungs. Medicines may also be prescribed to effectively treat this condition. Along with treatment it is important to refrain from smoking, get plenty of rest and to live in a clean environment so as to ensure proper recovery.