Chronic bronchitis history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Chronic bronchitis | Chronic bronchitis is generally part of a syndrome called [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent [[cough]] that produces [[sputum]] (phlegm), for at least three months in two consecutive years. Bronchitis may be indicated by an [[expectorate|expectorating]] [[cough]] (also known as a productive cough, i.e. one that produces [[sputum]]), shortness of breath ([[dyspnea]]) and wheezing. Occasionally [[chest pain]]s, [[fever]], and [[Fatigue (physical)|fatigue]] or [[malaise]] may also occur<ref name="pmid27264777">{{cite journal |vauthors=Vanfleteren LE, Spruit MA, Wouters EF, Franssen FM |title=Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease beyond the lungs |journal=Lancet Respir Med |volume= |issue= |pages= |year=2016 |pmid=27264777 |doi=10.1016/S2213-2600(16)00097-7 |url=}}</ref>. | ||
==History== | ===History=== | ||
The hallmark of chronic bronchitis is [[dyspnea]]. A positive history of chronic productive [[cough]] and [[dyspnea|shortness of breath]] is suggestive of chronic bronchitis. | The hallmark of chronic bronchitis is [[dyspnea]]. A positive history of chronic productive [[cough]] and [[dyspnea|shortness of breath]] is suggestive of chronic bronchitis. Some patients describe the dyspnea as air hunger because of sensation of gasping for air<ref name="pmid24485129">{{cite journal |vauthors=Festic E, Bansal V, Gajic O, Lee AS |title=Prehospital use of inhaled corticosteroids and point prevalence of pneumonia at the time of hospital admission: secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort study |journal=Mayo Clin. Proc. |volume=89 |issue=2 |pages=154–62 |year=2014 |pmid=24485129 |pmc=3989069 |doi=10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.10.028 |url=}}</ref>. | ||
===Common Symptoms=== | ===Common Symptoms=== | ||
Productive cough with gradual progression to intermittent shortness of breath. <ref>[http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_SignsAndSymptoms.html U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute - Signs and Symptoms]</ref> It is possible the sputum may contain blood ([[hemoptysis]]), usually due to damage of the blood vessels of the airways. An acute exacerbation may present as productive cough or an acute chest illness. The cough usually is worse in the mornings and produces a small amount of colorless sputum. The frequency and severity of acute exacerbation usually increases as the disease progresses.In later stages progressive cardiac/respiratory failure may present with [[edema]] and weight gain. | Productive cough with gradual progression to intermittent shortness of breath. <ref>[http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_SignsAndSymptoms.html U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute - Signs and Symptoms]</ref> It is possible the sputum may contain blood ([[hemoptysis]]), usually due to damage of the blood vessels of the airways. An acute exacerbation may present as productive cough or an acute chest illness. The cough usually is worse in the mornings and produces a small amount of colorless sputum. The frequency and severity of acute exacerbation usually increases as the disease progresses.In later stages progressive cardiac/respiratory failure may present with [[edema]] and weight gain. |
Revision as of 19:08, 19 September 2016
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Overview
Chronic bronchitis is generally part of a syndrome called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm), for at least three months in two consecutive years. Bronchitis may be indicated by an expectorating cough (also known as a productive cough, i.e. one that produces sputum), shortness of breath (dyspnea) and wheezing. Occasionally chest pains, fever, and fatigue or malaise may also occur[1].
History
The hallmark of chronic bronchitis is dyspnea. A positive history of chronic productive cough and shortness of breath is suggestive of chronic bronchitis. Some patients describe the dyspnea as air hunger because of sensation of gasping for air[2].
Common Symptoms
Productive cough with gradual progression to intermittent shortness of breath. [3] It is possible the sputum may contain blood (hemoptysis), usually due to damage of the blood vessels of the airways. An acute exacerbation may present as productive cough or an acute chest illness. The cough usually is worse in the mornings and produces a small amount of colorless sputum. The frequency and severity of acute exacerbation usually increases as the disease progresses.In later stages progressive cardiac/respiratory failure may present with edema and weight gain.
Other Symptoms
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue
- Fever - Usually low
- Wheezing
Severe Bronchitis
- In extreme cases it could lead to cor pulmonale due the extra work required by the heart to get blood to flow through the lungs which may present as
- Chest discomfort, usually in the front of the chest
- Exercise intolerance
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Symptoms of underlying disorders (wheezing, coughing)
- Cyanosis (bluish decolorization usually in the lips and fingers) caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood
- Patient may have confusion indicating an alteration of mental status.
- Depression may be seen
- Decreased fat-free mass, impaired systemic muscle function (systemic manifestation)
The most helpful information in diagnosis of COPD is provided by a combination of the following 3 signs [4]
- Self-reported smoking history of more than 55 pack-year
- Wheezing on auscultation
- Self-reported wheezing.
References
- ↑ Vanfleteren LE, Spruit MA, Wouters EF, Franssen FM (2016). "Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease beyond the lungs". Lancet Respir Med. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(16)00097-7. PMID 27264777.
- ↑ Festic E, Bansal V, Gajic O, Lee AS (2014). "Prehospital use of inhaled corticosteroids and point prevalence of pneumonia at the time of hospital admission: secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort study". Mayo Clin. Proc. 89 (2): 154–62. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.10.028. PMC 3989069. PMID 24485129.
- ↑ U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute - Signs and Symptoms
- ↑ Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, Weinberger SE, Hanania NA, Criner G, van der Molen T, Marciniuk DD, Denberg T, Schünemann H, Wedzicha W, MacDonald R, Shekelle P (2011). "Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline update from the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society". Annals of Internal Medicine. 155 (3): 179–91. doi:10.1059/0003-4819-155-3-201108020-00008. PMID 21810710. Unknown parameter
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