Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs. Normally the result of a viral infection, bronchitis can also come about from bacteria and from exposure to pollution and smoking. A case of acute bronchitis is one that develops rapidly but does not linger, as opposed to chronic bronchitis in which the condition recurs and becomes a long-term affliction.
Types
Acute bronchitis has different types of symptoms. The most telling one is a cough. A mild fever can accompany the cough and a feeling of fatigue can also manifest itself. If you breathe deeply, your chest may hurt and you may hear whistling noises when you are breathing, usually when you are physically exerting yourself. Your voice may also be hoarse.
Time Frame
These symptoms will appear in most cases of acute bronchitis 3 or 4 days after you experience an upper respiratory infection. Colds or a bout of the flu are usually the beginning of acute bronchitis. If you have no other health issues to begin with then a case of acute bronchitis will last anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks; sometimes it will linger for as long as a month.
Identification
Doctors will pay close attention to the cough that you exhibit when trying to diagnose acute bronchitis. This symptom is bronchitis's trademark sign and it may start out as a dry cough at first but begin to bring up mucus after a few days. This is called a productive cough, with mucus that can be clear, green or yellow, perhaps with tiny specks of blood mixed in. The degree of the fever will also be key, since most cases of acute bronchitis have fevers that are under 101 degrees F.
Effects
It is possible for acute bronchitis to develop into pneumonia. If the lungs become inflamed and fluid begins to collect in them, the fever will become more intense and the chest pain will increase. These symptoms, along with a more pronounced shortness of breath, will indicate to your physician that the bronchitis has turned into pneumonia.
Considerations
There are other causes of the symptoms of acute bronchitis besides viruses and bacteria. Exposure to tobacco smoke, either from your own smoking or from second-hand smoke, can precipitate the condition. Constant exposure to household cleaners, smog, and other sources of pollution can bring it about. It may also result from stomach acid that is always backing up into the esophagus, a problem known as gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Workers that are in the vicinity of certain types of dust and fumes are also liable to get acute bronchitis symptoms.
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