Bronchitis Symptoms

Colds and coughs are common illnesses for most people, but if it lasts for more than a week it could be considered bronchitis. A respiratory illness in the bronchial tubes of the lungs causing irritation and swelling accompanied by pain can often be classified bronchitis.

There are two kinds of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and arises when a sore throat or cold lasts from one to two weeks.

The common symptoms of acute bronchitis that you should be aware of are:

• Throbbing cough – a cough with a sudden contraction of the chest which makes a distinct sound.

• Runny nose – considered as one of the more common irritations of people with acute bronchitis.

• Wheezing – a sound that can be heard when a person with acute bronchitis is breathing.

• Sore throat – throat pain and itch.

• Repeated headache – a condition where the pain is commonly felt in the head, neck and back.

• Chills – this condition may be accompanied with quivering and paleness and in some cases it can arise with a sudden increase of temperature.

• Slight fever – in acute bronchitis there is an abnormal elevation of bodily temperature.

• Malaise – feeling of discomfort when there is acute bronchitis.

• Back and muscle pain – soreness of bones in the back and muscle.

Chronic bronchitis is different kind of bronchitis, where the airtubes to the lungs have too much phlegm, resulting in violent coughing. Chronic bronchitis can last from more than a month to several years.

Many of the symptoms of acute bronchitis also show themselves in chronic bronchitis, but they may be even more severe. Some symptoms of chronic bronchitis that are distinct from acute bronchitis are:

• Cyanosis – a blue skin coloration from deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.

• Edema – swelling of the feet and hands from excessive lympatic fluid.

• Heart Failure – a complication of chronic bronchitis where the heart can't properly pump blood.

• Clubbed fingers - finger deformities common to chronic respiratory illnesses.

• Dyspnea – breathing difficulties

• Shortness of breath with movement.

• Too much mucus secreted.

• Lung or respiratory tract infections.

Some symptoms of bronchitis can resemble symptoms of other respiratory diseases, so it's important to check with your doctor to differentiate it from other conditions and to find out if the bronchitis is acute or chronic. The doctor can examine you to distinguish your condition. Also, a doctor can recommend lab tests to determine your condition.

Even an ordinary cold and cough shouldn't be taken for granted; having it treated early to keep it from developing into a serious condition like bronchitis is important.

This article was written by Jim Krage of Healing Energy News .com.