Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Bronchitis signs and symptoms.

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that occurs frequently in people of all ages and genders. Bronchitis occurs even more often in people who smoke, have other respiratory problems, or have weak immune systems.
Smokers will normally develop chronic bronchitis, which needs ongoing treatment. Some of the main irritants that cause bronchitis include smoking, dust, pollen, chemicals, pollutants, weak immune system, genetic predispositions, viral infection, or bacterial infection.

Bronchitis can either be short or long term (acute or chronic). Acute bronchitis symptoms are usually very intense but only last a few days.

Most acute bronchitis cases are caused by viruses. This usually doesn’t need medical treatment, but if the bronchitis symptoms persist and get worse, you should see your doctor. Something else besides a virus may be the cause of your bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis symptoms on the other hand aren’t as severe, but they last longer. Chronic bronchitis needs long-term medical treatment, unlike acute bronchitis. You should follow your doctor’s orders if you have chronic bronchitis because your symptoms can reoccur even if they seem to ameliorate.

Bronchitis symptoms, regardless if it is acute or chronic, usually include cough, wheezing, throat pain, breathing difficulty, chest pain, discomfort when breathing, fatigue, and headache.

If you have additional symptoms such as fever, sweating, and nausea, your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection. There will often be yellowish mucous accompanying your severe cough too.

Bronchitis symptoms that expose the acute type from chronic include painful cough, chest soreness, throat pain, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. If you have chronic bronchitis, some of the symptoms will include long-term cough, mucousy cough, mild or moderate fever, shortness of breath, nausea, headache, and difficulty breathing.

It is essential to listen to your body and understand your bronchitis symptoms if it is either acute of chronic. If your bronchitis is caused by bacteria, you could end up with serious complications.

If your bronchitis symptoms don’t ease up after a few days, you should go see your doctor. Most cases, because they are caused by viruses, don’t need medical attention. The best thing you can do for yourself when experiencing these symptoms is to get plenty of rest and drink a lot of liquids.

You may also want to stay away from some of the irritants that you think are causing the problem in the first place. Using a humidifier will also help your cough be more productive.

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