Bronchitis
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)
