Bronchitis Description

BRONCHITIS
Description

Symptom Checker

Symptoms

Breathing - difficulty	Breathing - wheeze	Chest - discomfort
Chills	Cough	Fatigue / exhaustion
Fever	Muscles - aching	Sputum - white or clear
Sputum – yellowish, gray, green	Throat - sore

Description

Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the air passages within the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Generally, it is a mild and self-limiting condition. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viral infections and commonly occurs after an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or a sinus infection. Infectious bronchitis may also be caused by bacteria. Often bacterial bronchitis follows a viral upper respiratory infection.

Symptoms of the common cold that are followed by a cough usually indicate acute bronchitis. Cough is a common symptom of bronchitis and can produce mucus; if it's yellow-green, the patient is more likely to have a bacterial infection. The cough may be dry or may produce phlegm.

The causes of bronchitis can be:

- Virus (most common).

- Bacteria.

- Inhaling gases.

- Smoke.

- Dust particles.

- Pollution .

Even after a viral infection has resolved, the irritation may continue and cause symptoms for weeks.

Diagnosis

Doctors can confirm bronchitis after some of the following procedures and tests are done:

- Physical exam of the patient, including history (exposition to pollutions, smokes, etc.).

- Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.

- Pulse oxymetry test using a sensor attached to the patient’s finger or toe. It checks the oxygen levels.

- X-ray can be ordered if it is suspected that the patient has pneumonia or another condition.

More information:

Bronchitis Treatment
Bronchitis Healthcare Centers