What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchi, resulting in wheezing, a cough with mucus, and other symptoms. Depending on whether you have acute or chronic bronchitis, the symptoms can be short-lived or persist over time.

Common symptoms of bronchitis

You may experience bronchitis symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times any of these bronchitis symptoms can be severe:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Coughing up clear, yellow, light brown, or green mucus
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing (tachypnea)
  • Wheezing (whistling sound made with breathing)

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

Left untreated, bronchitis can be life threatening in some cases. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

  • Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails
  • Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
INTRODUCTION

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs (bronchi), resulting in congestion, mucus production, and shortness of breath. There are two types of bronchitis: acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term). Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( Read more about bronchitis introduction

CAUSES

What causes bronchitis?

Bronchitis is inflammation in the airways leading to the lungs (bronchi), resulting in congestion, excess mucus, and shortness of breath. There are two types of bronchitis: acute (short term) and chronic (long term). Chronic bronchitis, like emphysema, is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).... Read more about bronchitis causes

TREATMENTS

How is bronchitis treated?

Treatment for bronchitis begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and congestion and improve breathing. Bronchitis is not typically treated with antibiotics, because it is rarely caused by a bacterial infection. The most common causes are smoking, in the case of chronic bronchitis, and viral infection, in the case of acute bronchitis.... Read more about bronchitis treatments

Medical Reviewer: All content has been reviewed by board-certified physicians under the direction of Rich Klasco, M.D., FACEP. Last Annual Review Date: May 2, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

This Article is Filed Under: Lungs, Breathing and Respiration


Personal Story Network

null

A place where patients, healthcare providers, caregivers, and innovators share their personal stories about healing, and hope within the healthcare system and beyond.

15 Ways To Get Better Medicine

15 Ways To Get Better Medicine

People who are actively involved in their medical care stay healthier, recover quicker when they're ill, and live longer, healthier lives.

Popular Lungs, Breathing and Respiration Slide Shows