Symptoms Of Bronchitis

Many individuals associate having bronchitis with having a nasty cough. While this is undoubtedly true, many other potentially severe symptoms go along with this illness. The bronchial tubes are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, and when these tubes become inflamed or irritated, bronchitis develops. The tubes swell, making it difficult for the lungs to get oxygen. When someone has bronchitis, it is either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is quite common and often shows up right after a cold or flu. Chronic bronchitis, however, results after repeated irritation to the lungs and is most often seen in smokers. Many of the symptoms of acute bronchitis usually go away on their own in seven to ten days.

A Productive Cough

In the beginning, patients may have a dry cough, but this will change into a wet cough within a few days. When a cough is caused by bronchitis, it almost always results in the patient hacking up yellow or green phlegm. This is why patients are considered to have a productive cough. Yellow and green mucus indicates bronchitis is the result of a bacterial infection. The mucus patients cough up could also be clear, white, grey, and rarely, stained with blood. The variety is due to the fact bronchitis can be bacterial or viral. Even after the rest of the symptoms have cleared up, patients may have a lingering cough that refuses to go away for many weeks. If a cough lasts a minimum of three months and the condition pops up at least two years in a row, patients would likely be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis.

Shortness Of Breath

Difficulty breathing, wheezing, and general shortness of breath are all signs of bronchitis. This feeling of being unable to catch one's breath may happen during physical exertion or even when completely at rest, particularly if bronchitis is the cause. Something as simple as walking to the door can make an individual feel winded. This feeling of shortness of breath can even wake you up at night. While getting over bronchitis, it is important to avoid any environmental factors that can make this symptom worse. Examples of these factors include pollution, smoke, or allergens, such as cat hair, dust, or pollen.

Chest Pain

Having a clogged feeling in the chest can be another indication of bronchitis. Sometimes this full or clogged feeling can be painful, although some patients describe it as more of an uncomfortable sensation. If the chest pain is very sharp and gets worse when taking a deep breath or coughing, it is possible the cause is pneumonia rather than bronchitis. Although the treatment for both conditions is similar (lots of fluid, rest, et cetera), be sure to see a doctor if you have intense chest pain. Not only could it be pneumonia, but there could also be other, life-threatening events happening. Rapid breathing in combination with chest pain should be treated very seriously.

Fatigue

Being sick can take a lot out of the body. This is definitely the case with bronchitis, which can leave patients feeling weak and tired. Generally speaking, fatigue will make its appearance around the time the patient's cough is changing from dry to productive. The fatigue will likely get better long before a cough does. It is important to take it easy and let the body get the rest it needs, especially during the initial week of symptoms. Patients should put off working out until they are feeling better, although it is considered okay to do light exercises once all symptoms, but the cough, have gone away. However, patients should consult a doctor if they start to feel confused or so fatigue it is difficult to remain awake.

Fever And Chills

Another two symptoms of bronchitis that show up around the time a productive cough appears are fever and chills. The fever is usually not too severe and can be expected to be around 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. In serious cases, this number can rise to around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher fever may last anywhere from three to five days. Cases of bronchitis brought on by the flu are more likely to result in a high fever.

Chills are another common symptom of bronchitis, although not everyone will experience them. They usually occur with body aches, much like the flu. A high fever along with chills is a sign it is time to consult a doctor if this has not already happened.

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of acute bronchitis. For patients with this type of bronchitis, headaches and other symptoms may last for around seven to ten days. Headache pain from acute bronchitis is usually mild, and it may be felt at the front of the head or on the sides of the head. Some patients feel tension in the neck as well. To relieve a headache, it can be beneficial to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and resting in a dark, quiet room might be soothing. Placing a cool cloth over the forehead may feel comfortable as well. Patients who are already taking medications should ask their doctor before taking any pain relievers or other medicines for headaches. Stress reduction techniques such as yoga or massage could be helpful. If the patient has a headache that occurs in conjunction with nausea, vomiting, or a high fever, emergency medical assistance should be obtained. Patients should make an appointment with their doctor if the headache does not improve with rest.

Congested Sinuses

Patients with bronchitis could experience congested sinuses. If the tissues that line the sinuses become swollen or inflamed, the sinus passages could be blocked. Patients with congested sinuses could develop sinus headaches that cause pain around the temples and front of the head, and it may also be impossible to breathe from the nose. Inhaling warm, moist air may help relieve sinus congestion, and patients might want to try over-the-counter decongestant sprays or oral decongestants. These medicines can help reduce sinus swelling. Patients who use oral decongestants could experience side effects such as drowsiness and agitation. Irrigating the sinuses with a neti pot may be beneficial, and patients could consider taking over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetylsalicylic acid to reduce pain from sinus headaches and lessen inflammation. If these treatments are ineffective, doctors can prescribe corticosteroids. These medicines are typically used in cases of deep sinus congestion, and they can cause side effects such as vision changes, high blood pressure, and elevated blood glucose. As a last resort, surgeons may be able to remove scar tissue in the deep sinuses to alleviate congestion.

Sore Throat

A sore throat may occur occasionally with bronchitis. Patients with a sore throat might feel like their throat is scratchy and dry, and they could have pain when swallowing. Speaking may be difficult, and the voice might be hoarse. To soothe the throat, it can be beneficial to use a saltwater gargle, and drinking warm fluids like hot tea, hot chocolate, and coffee may be helpful. Using humidifiers in the home is recommended to prevent the air from becoming too dry, and patients should rest their voice as much as possible. Alcohol and tobacco could irritate the throat, and these should be avoided. Patients need to make an appointment with their doctor if they have a sore throat accompanied by fever, rash, joint pain, earache, a lump in the neck, or breathing difficulties. The patient should also make an appointment if they have difficulty swallowing or opening their mouth, and sore throats that have lasted for more than seven days need to be evaluated as well.

Wheezing

Wheezing is not a common symptom of bronchitis, and patients who experience this should see a doctor as soon as possible. Wheezing is a high-pitched sound that sounds similar to whistling. It can be heard most clearly during exhalation, and it occurs as a result of inflammation or narrowing of the airways. Patients with wheezing will need to have a physical examination to determine the underlying cause. During the exam, the doctor will listen to their lung sounds with a stethoscope. Some patients might need blood tests or imaging studies as well. Patients should let their physician know if they are experiencing wheezing for the first time or if they notice a blue tinge to their skin. To relieve wheezing, patients may be given bronchodilators that relax the smooth muscles surrounding the airways. These medicines are short-acting, and they can relieve wheezing and coughing. Anti-inflammatory medicines may also be prescribed to decrease inflammation and thin mucus.

Body Aches

Body aches occur frequently with acute bronchitis, and they may last for approximately one week. Moving could cause soreness, and it may be difficult to perform certain motions or to lift heavy items. It could take longer than usual to rise from a sitting or lying position. To ease body aches, patients are often encouraged to rest as much as possible. It may help to use extra pillows or cushions, and it is important to change positions at least every hour or so. Taking a warm bath could promote muscle relaxation and reduce muscle tension. Some patients find massage is beneficial as well, and it might feel soothing to apply warm compresses to aching areas. Extra blankets may provide comfort, and some individuals like to use an electric blanket. Using over-the-counter pain medicines could help ease the pain of body aches, and patients should check with their doctor before taking these, particularly if they are already using other medicines. Patients should make an appointment with their doctor if their body aches last more than one week or if they are accompanied by breathing difficulties or a high fever.