Bronchitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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[[Bronchitis]] is [[inflammation]] of the main air passages to the [[lungs]]. [[Bronchitis]] may be short-lived ([[acute]]) or [[chronic]], meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs. | [[Bronchitis]] is [[inflammation]] of the main air passages to the [[lungs]]. [[Bronchitis]] may be short-lived ([[acute]]) or [[chronic]], meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Bronchitis?== | ==What are the symptoms of Bronchitis?== | ||
The symptoms of either type of [[bronchitis]] may include: | |||
*[[Chest discomfort]] | |||
*[[Cough]] that produces [[mucus]]; if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a [[bacterial infection]] | |||
*[[Fatigue]] | |||
*[[Fever]] -- usually low | |||
*[[Shortness of breath]] worsened by [[exertion]] or mild activity | |||
*[[Wheezing]] | |||
Even after [[acute bronchitis]] has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging [[cough]] that lingers for several weeks. | |||
Additional symptoms of [[chronic bronchitis]] include: | |||
*Ankle, feet, and leg [[swelling]] | |||
*Blue-colored lips from low levels of [[oxygen]] | |||
*Frequent [[respiratory]] [[infections]] (such as [[colds]] or the [[flu]]) | |||
==What causes Bronchitis?== | ==What causes Bronchitis?== | ||
Revision as of 15:26, 28 January 2010
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What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. Bronchitis may be short-lived (acute) or chronic, meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs.
What are the symptoms of Bronchitis?
The symptoms of either type of bronchitis may include:
- Chest discomfort
- Cough that produces mucus; if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection
- Fatigue
- Fever -- usually low
- Shortness of breath worsened by exertion or mild activity
- Wheezing
Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.
Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
- Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
- Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen
- Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu)
What causes Bronchitis?
Who is at risk for Bronchitis?
How do I know I have Bronchitis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Bronchitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Bronchitis