Acute bronchitis symptoms
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These studies suggest that acute bronchitis symptoms include a productive cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and sometimes symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, sore eyes, or headache.
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Acute Bronchitis Symptoms
Introduction to Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often following a cold or influenza. It is predominantly caused by viral infections, although bacterial infections can also be responsible in a minority of cases .
Primary Symptom: Cough
Onset and Duration of Cough
The hallmark symptom of acute bronchitis is a persistent cough, which can last from 10 days to up to 3 weeks . This cough is typically productive, meaning it brings up mucus or phlegm, which can be yellow or green in color .
Nature of the Cough
The cough associated with acute bronchitis is often described as severe and can be accompanied by wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing . In some cases, the cough may be so intense that it disrupts sleep and daily activities.
Additional Respiratory Symptoms
Wheezing and Shortness of Breath
Many patients with acute bronchitis experience wheezing and shortness of breath. Wheezing is noted by 62% of patients, although it is only heard on auscultation in about 31% of cases. Shortness of breath can also occur, particularly in severe cases.
Chest Discomfort
While chest pain is not a common symptom of acute bronchitis, some patients may experience discomfort or pain in the chest, especially when coughing .
Systemic Symptoms
Fever and Malaise
Systemic symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and general malaise are often present, especially in the early stages of the illness. These symptoms are typically associated with the viral cause of the infection .
Other Symptoms
Patients may also report a runny nose, sore throat, headache, and sore eyes, particularly at the onset of the illness. These symptoms are indicative of the upper respiratory tract involvement that often accompanies acute bronchitis.
Conclusion
Acute bronchitis is primarily characterized by a persistent, productive cough that can last several weeks. Additional symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise. Understanding these symptoms can aid in the timely diagnosis and management of acute bronchitis, ensuring appropriate care and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.
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