Chronic And Acute Bronchitis Symptoms - Easy Tips To Identify The Two

For most individuals, coughing and colds are just a part of growing up and being human. Yet, if the cold persists for a week or more, it's time to see the doctor because it could actually be bronchitis.

What is bronchitis then? It is a respiratory disease where the bronchial tubes become swollen, irritated and inflamed. Pain often accompanies this common health problem. It is a pain to have and can cause major issues. It is also contagious, unfortunately.

There are two kinds of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is often times caused by a virus that develops a week or two after a cold or sore throat.

What are the ten symptoms of acute bronchitis?

Be aware of your body and look out for the following symptoms that accompany acute bronchitis.

1. Persistent or Throbbing Cough - this type of cough is abrupt and repeatedly contracts the thoracic cavity. It typically produces a distinct sound.

2. Runny Nose - This more of an irritation for those with acute bronchitis. blow the nose gently when it is running.

3. Sore Throat - Scratching in the person's throat.

4. Recurrent Headache - condition in which pain is felt in head. Can also be in the neck and back area.

5. Chills - Can slightly have rise in body temperature; feel cold with paleness and shaking.

6. Slight fever - Fever considered low grade when it is between 38 and 39 Degree Celsius; is often termed "pyrexia".

7. Malaise - Used to describe uneasiness in person.

8. Back Pain - Soreness in bones, nerves, joints or muscles is present.

9. Muscle Pain - Soreness is muscle; often termed "myalgia"

10. Wheezing - blocked airway but has distinct sound of wheezing.

What are the symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis?

In chronic bronchitis, which is the other said of this illness, there is often times too much phlegm in the airway which causes a nasty cough. If a person is persistently sick for three months or more, it is likely that a positive hit for chronic bronchitis will be met.

The acute bronchitis symptoms can also be used for chronic bronchitis. The following symptoms apply to chronic bronchitis:

1. Cyanosis - a condition where the skin begins to turn blue which is due to "deoxygenated hemoglobin".

2. Edema - Excessive fluid because of an organ or tissue swelling.

3. Heart Failure - condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood throughout entire the body.

4. Clubbed Fingers - This condition is associated with heart and lung problems and makes the fingers and its nails deformed.

5. Dyspnea - condition of experiencing difficulty with shortness of breathe.

6. shortness of breathe due to exercise or overexertion.

7. Too much airway mucus secretion.

8. Lung signs are abnormal.

9. Constant infections of lungs and respiratory tract.

Some signs of bronchitis do resemble other problems from the respiratory area. It is best to always consult with a doctor to determine if you are suffering from other the chronic or the acute version of bronchitis. Your physician will take your history and evaluate the physical exam to determine what to diagnose you with. Other tests may be given to determine if he/she is correct in their theory.

Always take a cough or cold seriously even if it seems to be normal. It should be cured as soon as you can to avoid bronchitis or any other serious illnesses. Studies have shown there is no current cure for chronic bronchitis so keeping yourself healthy is the key.