What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchi, resulting in a number of respiratory symptoms, including wheezing and a cough with mucus. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.

Common symptoms of chronic bronchitis

You may experience chronic bronchitis symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times, any of these chronic 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, chronic 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 chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis, which is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is an ongoing inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs (bronchi). It is characterized by a cough, mucus production, shortness of breath, and wheezing that persist for longer than three months.... Read more about chronic bronchitis introduction

CAUSES

What causes chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that causes inflammation in the bronchi, resulting in a cough, mucus production, and shortness of breath. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Your risk of chronic bronchitis is increased by certain jobs, including those involving livestock, grain, textiles, manufacturing, and coal mining, as well as by exposure to inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes and gas vapor.... Read more about chronic bronchitis causes

TREATMENTS

How is chronic bronchitis treated?

Treatment for chronic bronchitis begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. The goal of treatment for chronic bronchitis is to reduce inflammation and congestion and improve breathing. Chronic bronchitis is not typically treated with antibiotics, except in cases of sudden exacerbations. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve symptoms. Treatment for chronic bronchitis includes bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and chest physical therapy for loosening mucus in the lungs.... Read more about chronic 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


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