Bronchitis Explained
Bronchitis Symptoms
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis?
Acute Bronchitis Symptoms
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, if it is a symptom of acute bronchitis, 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
- Chest tightness or pain
If your acute bronchitis is severe, you also may have shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.
Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest discomfort
Coughing, if it is a symptom of chronic bronchitis, may produce large amounts of mucus. This type of cough is often called “smoker’s cough.
Diagnosing Bronchitis
How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed?
Your doctor usually will diagnose bronchitis based on your signs and symptoms. He or she may ask questions about your cough, such as how long you’ve had it, what you’re coughing up, and how much you cough.
Your doctor also will likely ask:
- About your medical history
- Whether you’ve recently had a cold or the flu
- Whether you smoke or spend time around others who smoke
- Whether you’ve been exposed to air pollution, dust, or fumes
Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen for wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe) or other abnormal sounds in your lungs. He or she also may:
- Look at your mucus to see whether you have a bacterial infection
- Test the oxygen levels in your blood using a sensor attached to your fingertip or toe
- Order a chest x ray, lung function tests, or blood tests
