The Persistent Cough: Bronchitis
It’s that time of year. If the flu or a cold hasn’t gotten to you yet, seasonal allergies likely have. But what do you do when that cough you developed from the sniffles just won’t go away? It’s possible that your illness or allergies could have developed into bronchitis.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis occurs when the respiratory tract is triggered either by an irritant or preexisting condition, causing your bronchial tubes to become inflamed. Because your bronchial tubes carry air to your lungs, those with bronchitis often suffer from a cough that brings up mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and even a low-grade fever. If you experience this condition over an extended length of time or the condition recurs, you might be suffering from chronic bronchitis, a type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
What are the symptoms?
Those who are suffering from bronchitis can have symptoms varying in severity over a varied amount of time. Those who experience symptoms for at least three months or more and experience recurring bouts are typically diagnosed with chronic, rather than acute, bronchitis.
Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis:
- Chest Congestion or tightness
- Cough that brings up thick, hard to break up, clear, yellow or green mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
Those suffering from acute bronchitis will often present symptoms similar to a cold or the flu at first before developing a cough. Most acute bronchitis symptoms last less than ten days, but the cough might linger for several weeks.
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis:
- Cough that brings up thick, hard to break up, clear, yellow or green mucus
- Cough that lasts longer than three months
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty Breathing
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
You may have chronic bronchitis if your acute bronchitis symptoms worsen and your cough persists for longer than three months. If left untreated, chronic bronchitis can develop into much more severe conditions like pneumonia and peripheral edema.
What causes bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or an airborne irritant. The most common cause of acute bronchitis is a contagious virus such as a cold or the flu. Still, the condition can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollution, allergens, smoke, fumes, dust and vapors. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking, but not everyone who suffers from chronic bronchitis is a smoker. Other factors such as asthma, allergies, air quality, genetics, a history of respiratory disease, or a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, may make you more likely to develop acute or chronic bronchitis.
When should I get help?
If you think you may be experiencing chronic bronchitis, you must seek treatment as prolonged irritation can cause lung and airway tissue damage and even develop into pneumonia or other conditions such as emphysema. Because chronic bronchitis restricts airflow to the lungs when left untreated, the condition causes low oxygen levels in the blood leading to complications such as peripheral edema.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical help immediately.
- Extreme changes in body temperature dipping below 95°F or rising above 104°F
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Nails and lips begin turning grey or blue
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or Confusion
- Coughing up blood or blood in your mucus
- Inability to swallow
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the feet or hands (peripheral edema)
If you think you might have bronchitis of any severity or you think you might be experiencing a complication related to your bronchitis, come to a Medco ER & Urgent Care for treatment. Our advanced technology, board-certified physicians, and highly trained nurses make Medco ER & Urgent Care the best place to treat anything from acute to chronic bronchitis and even breathing emergencies. Our locations in Plano and Frisco are open 24 hours a day seven days a week for all urgent care and emergency services. With little to no wait time and no appointment needed, you won’t have to wait to start feeling better. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit one of our locations in Plano or Frisco.