What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis?
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis caused by an infection usually
develops after you already have a cold or the flu. Symptoms of a cold or the
flu include sore throat, fatigue (tiredness), fever, body aches, stuffy or
runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough. The
cough may produce clear mucus (a slimy substance). If the mucus is yellow or
green, you may have a bacterial infection as well. Even after the infection
clears up, you may still have a dry cough for days or weeks.
Other symptoms of acute bronchitis include wheezing
(a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe), low fever, and chest tightness
or pain. If your acute bronchitis is severe, you also may have shortness of
breath, especially with physical activity.
Chronic Bronchitis
The signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include
coughing, wheezing, and chest discomfort. The coughing may produce large
amounts of mucus. This type of cough is often called "smoker's cough."
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