Symptoms of Bronchitis 

The main symptom of bronchitis is a hacking cough. It is likely that your cough will bring up thick yellow-grey mucus (phlegm), although this does not always happen.

Other symptoms of bronchitis are similar to those of other infections, such as the common cold or sinusitis, and may include:symptom of bronchitis

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Aches and pains
  • Tiredness

If you have bronchitis, your cough may last for several weeks after other symptoms have gone. You may also find that the continual coughing makes your chest and stomach muscles sore.

Some people may experience shortness of breath or wheezing, due to inflamed airways. However, this is more common with long-term (chronic) bronchitis.

Long-Term (chronic) Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is often known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The symptoms of COPD can include:

  • Wheezing
  • Increasing breathlessness when exercising or moving around
  • A persistent cough that brings up mucus (phlegm)
  • Frequent chest infections

The symptoms are often worse in the winter, and it is common to have two or more flare-ups a year. A flare-up is when your symptoms are particularly bad.

When To See Your Doctor

See your doctor as soon as possible if:

  • Your cough is very severe or lasts longer than three weeks
  • You have a constant fever (a temperature of 38°C – 100.4°F – or above) for more than three days – this may be a sign of flu or a more serious condition, such as Pneumonia
  • You cough up mucus streaked with blood
  • You develop rapid breathing (more than 30 breaths a minute) or chest pains
  • You become drowsy or confused
  • You have had repeated bouts of bronchitis

You should also contact your doctor if you have an underlying heart or lung condition, such as:

  • Asthma
  • Heart Failure – weakness in the heart that leads to fluid in your lungs
  • emphysema – damage to the small airways in your lungs

Read More ON:
Bronchitis
Causes of Bronchitis
Treating Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Treating Pneumonia
Lung Cancer
Causes of Lung Cancer
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Treating Lung Cancer
Diagnosing Lung Cancer
Preventing Lung Cancer
Allergies
Symptoms of Allergies
Treating Allergies
Diagnosing Allergies
Avoiding Allergies
Asthma
Causes of Asthma
Symptoms of Asthma
Diagnosing Asthma
Treating Asthma
Hay fever
Treating Hay Fever
Causes of Hay Fever
Diagnosing Hay Fever
Symptoms of Hay Fever
Preventing Hay Fever

 

Source: NHS UK
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bronchitis/Pages/Symptoms.aspx