Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. It is Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although you may continue to cough for weeks. However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis include:
1. Cough and sputum production are the most common symptoms; they usually last for at least 3 months and occur daily.
2. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) gradually increases with the severity of the disease.
3. Wheezing often occurs.
Main symptoms of chronic bronchitis
Moist rale
Shortness of breath
Mucus purulent sputum
Cough reflex
Lung rale
Whoop
Expectoration
Main complications of chronic bronchitis
Phthisis
Bronchial asthma
Bronchiectasia
Heart disease
Lung cancer
Emphysema