Chronic bronchitis symptoms

That’s when the air tubes in your Symptoms Other signs of chronic bronchitis may include: • Cough, often with • • Tight chest • Shortness of breath • Feeling Your symptoms may be worst in the winter, when humidity and temperatures drop. Causes Cigarette • • Dust • Certain fumes, like hairspray if you work in a • Air pollution, welding fumes, engine exhaust • Coal, fire smoke Twice as many women get diagnosed with chronic bronchitis as men do. Most people who have the disease are 44 to 65. Chronic bronchitis may make it easier for you to catch respiratory infections like Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your Pulmonary function tests: This is a series of measurements of how much air your lungs can hold while Chest X-ray: Uses Computed tomography: This Treatments Your first step, if you smoke, is to quit. Your lungs will not fully recover, but the rate of decline will be much slower. Airway openers ( Anti-inflammatory drugs: Oxygen therapy: This is for serious cases, where your lungs are so damaged that Specialized rehab program: If you are often short of breath, rehab therapy can teach you ways manage your disease. For example, you might learn a better way to breathe while you What You Can Do Avoid bad air. Stay away from smokers. Don’t step into crowds during flu season. Wear a face mask if you’re working with things that have strong fumes, like varnish and house paint. Get vaccinated. A yearly “Purse” your breaths. This trick makes it easier to breathe by opening up yo...

The bronchial tubes carry air to and from your lungs. People with bronchitis often have a persistent cough that brings up thick, discolored mucus. They may also experience wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic: • Acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis develops from a cold or other respiratory infection. Symptoms last • Chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis is classified as chronic when symptoms — primarily productive cough — lasts Many people who have chronic bronchitis eventually develop According to the The majority of Although the condition can’t be cured, the symptoms can be managed with treatment once a diagnosis is made. After a long period of inflammation and irritation in the bronchial tubes, chronic bronchitis can result in several hallmark symptoms. Common symptoms of chronic bronchitis include: • persistent cough (often referred to as “ • coughing up mucus that may be yellow, • wheezing • chest discomfort As time passes, the amount of mucus gradually increases due to the increased production of mucus in the lungs. The mucus eventually builds up in the bronchial tubes, resulting in difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity. Other symptoms of chronic bronchitis can include: • fatigue • fever • frequent and severe • wheezing and crackling sounds when breathing • bluish fingernails, lips, and skin due to low oxygen levels • swelling in the legs and ankles ( As chronic bronchitis progresses, symptoms can vary in...

Overview The most common symptom of chronic bronchitis is a frequent cough with mucus lasting two years or longer. What is chronic bronchitis? Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways (trachea, bronchi or bronchioles) in your lungs. People with chronic bronchitis have symptoms like a cough and shortness of breath most days of the month, three months out of the year, for two years or longer. Chronic bronchitis is commonly used to refer to Acute vs. chronic bronchitis Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus like the What’s the difference between chronic bronchitis and emphysema? Chronic bronchitis and Who does chronic bronchitis affect? Chronic bronchitis/COPD often affects people who smoke or used to smoke, but you can also be at risk if you: • Are around someone who smokes. • Are frequently exposed to air pollution, dust or chemical fumes. • Have What happens when you have chronic bronchitis? Chronic bronchitis is when you have a cough and shortness of breath frequently, caused by damage to your lungs. Irritation in your airways causes an Usually, bronchitis is temporary, but when your airways get irritated frequently (like from cigarette smoke or air pollution), it can cause damage that creates too many cells that make mucus (goblet cells). Additionally, sometimes the tiny, hair-like structures (cilia) that clear mucus out aren’t working properly. This damage makes your airways swell and fill with mucus often. This makes you cough and have trouble breath...

• Changes in mucus color • • Increased coughing • A feeling that you can't breathe or your airway is obstructed • Fever • Increased shortness of breath or wheezing • An increase in your need for supplemental oxygen • A racing heartbeat • Fatigue • Inability to talk without being short of breath • Inability to walk as far as usual • Increased swelling in your feet or hands Summary Symptoms of chronic bronchitis can be easily confused with those of other conditions. If you have symptoms like a productive cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, talk to your healthcare provider to find out what is causing them. This way, you can start managing your condition right away and prevent serious complications down the road. A Word From Verywell Chronic bronchitis is a lifelong condition that can affect not just your airways, but other parts of your body too. If you have a chronic cough, be sure to tell your doctor about any other symptoms you have—especially if you are coughing up blood, becoming confused, passing out, or having chest pain. A cough is a symptom that occurs in many conditions and diseases, and your doctor will need to do a thorough examination to confirm the cause.