Health's Book

Definition

Bronchitis is inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. Bronchitis may be short-lived (acute) or chronic, meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs.

See also: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Symptoms

The symptoms of either type of bronchitis may include:

* Chest discomfort
* Cough that produces mucus; if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection
* Fatigue
* Fever -- usually low
* Shortness of breath worsened by exertion or mild activity
* Wheezing

Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.

Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

* Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
* Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen
* Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu)