Symptoms

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include excessive mucus, a deep cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest discomfort.

Acute bronchitis may also be characterized by:

• Yellowish or greenish color to the mucus
• Mild fever
• Other symptoms of a viral infection, including
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Earache
• Short duration of a few weeks

Chronic bronchitis develops over a long period of time and may produce additional symptoms:

• Severe infections that recur frequently
• Cyanosis (a bluish tinge to the skin, especially around the mouth, eyes and nails) due to low oxygen levels
• Swelling of the lower extremities
• Heart failure
• Disabling fatigue or difficulty breathing

These symptoms can mimic other breathing disorders. Ask your physician about your specific symptoms. Always see your physician if a cough:

• Lasts more than a few weeks
• Is accompanied by a fever
• Produces yellow, green or blood-tinged mucus
• Causes wheezing or shortness of breath