Bronchitis history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Bronchitis Main page |
Overview
History
- Bronchitis is common in patients with smoking, low socio-economic status, living industrial or heavy pollutant areas, toxic substance exposure. Thus, obtaining a personal history and socio-economic history is very important.
- Bronchitis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Thus, past medical history to rule out asthma, allergic history is important.
Symptoms
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, muscle aches
- Fever -- uncommon and may suggest other diagnosis for instance pneumonia or Influenza.
- Shortness of breath, worsened by exertion or mild activity
- Wheezing
- Sore throat, runny nose
- Difficulty in breathing and blue discoloration of extremities can be seen in late stages of the disease
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)