Bronchitis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Bronchitis Main page
Patient Information
Overview
Causes
Classification Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis
Differential Diagnosis

Overview

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (medium-size airways) in the lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and may present as cough with sputum that last several days or weeks (10 days). Other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sore throat can also be found. Chronic bronchitis is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm) and mucus, for at least three months in two consecutive years. In late stages, the disease may present with blue discoloration of body (cyanosis) and difficulty in breathing (dyspnea).

History

• Bronchitis is common in patients with a history of smoking, low socio-economic status, residing in industrial or heavy pollutant areas, and exposure to toxic substance. Thus, obtaining a personal and socio-economic history is very important.
• Bronchitis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Thus, past medical history to rule out asthma, and allergic history is important.

Symptoms

Acute bronchitis

• Cough with sputum production (clear, yellow, green, or even blood-tinged) is the (commonest) symptom. Initially, it may be difficult to distinguish a acute bronchitis from upper respiratory tract infection. However, a cough lasting > 5 days indicates a diagnosis of Bronchitis. Cough usually last for 1-2 weeks in acute bronchitis. Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks. A yellow-green sputum production is more likely to be a bacterial infection.
• Sore throat, runny nose.
• 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
• Chest discomfort
• Difficulty in breathing and blue discoloration of extremities can be seen in late stages of the disease

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)

Chronic bronchitis

• Cough with sputum expectoration for at least 3 months a year during a period of 2 consecutive years. The patient may give a history of seasonal worsening of cough (winters)followed by progression of cough from seasonal to perennial, increased frequency, duration and severity of symptoms.
• Difficulty in breathing and blue discoloration of extremities can be seen in late stages of the disease.
• Shortness of breath, worsened by exertion or mild activity
• Wheezing
• Chest discomfort