Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) of the lungs. Symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Bronchitis is divided into two types: acute and chronic.
Acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, is short term inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs.
Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts for three months or more per year for at least two years.
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Slight fever and chills
- Chest discomfort
- Chest X-ray
- Sputum tests
- Pulmonary function test
Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve without medical treatment in two weeks.
Medications:
- Antibiotics
- Cough medicine
- Other medications
Therapies
In chronic bronchitis - pulmonary rehabilitation
