Chronic bronchitis history and symptoms

Overview
Chronic bronchitis is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm) and mucus, for at least three months in two consecutive years. Bronchitis may be indicated by an expectorating cough (also known as a productive cough, i.e. one that produces sputum), shortness of breath (dyspnea) and wheezing. Occasionally chest pains, fever, and fatigue or malaise may also occur. Mucus is often green or yellowish green and also may be orange or pink, depending on the pathogen causing the inflammation.

Common symptoms

 * Productive cough with gradual progression to intermittent shortness of breath. It is possible the sputum may contain blood (hemoptysis), usually due to damage of the blood vessels of the airways. An acute exacerbation may present as productive cough or an acute chest illness. The cough usually is worse in the mornings and produces a small amount of colorless sputum. The frequency and severity of acute exacerbation usually increases as the disease progresses.In later stages progressive cardiac/respiratory failure may present with edema and weight gain.

Other symptoms

 * Chest discomfort
 * Fatigue
 * Fever -- usually low
 * Wheezing

Severe Bronchitis

 * In extreme cases it could lead to cor pulmonale due the extra work required by the heart to get blood to flow through the lungs which may present as
 * Chest discomfort, usually in the front of the chest
 * Exercise intolerance
 * Shortness of breath
 * Swelling of the feet or ankles
 * Symptoms of underlying disorders (wheezing, coughing)
 * Cyanosis (bluish decolorization usually in the lips and fingers) caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood
 * Patient may have confusion indicating an alteration of mental status.
 * Depression may be seen
 * Decreased fat-free mass, impaired systemic muscle function (systemic manifestation)

The most helpful information in diagnosis of COPD is provided by a combination of the following 3 signs


 * Self-reported smoking history of more than 55 pack-year


 * Wheezing on auscultation


 * Self-reported wheezing.