Monday, January 5, 2009

Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms

By Amy Cheung

Chronic bronchitis is described as the inflammation or swelling of the air passageways (bronchi) in the upper respiratory system. This condition is often accompanied by the abnormally high production of mucus. Chronic bronchitis can manifest with a variety of symptoms, and is commonly challenging to confirm diagnostically for the reason that the physical manifestations may be attributed to other conditions involving the lungs in particular and the respiratory system in general. At present, at least 1 in 20 Americans currently suffers from chronic bronchitis. Though the figure has been consistently dropping from the seventies onward, the total number of individuals afflicted with chronic bronchitis is still a cause for concern as chronic bronchitis is more often than not fatal. Here are some of the most frequently occurring physical symptoms of this disease:

Coughing - Coughing caused by chronic bronchitis is normally originallyobserved in the early hours of morning, soon after rising from bed. The patient will most likely cough|get a coughing attack) lasting up to several hours soon after waking up. As the illness further develops, the coughing attacks will last longer, and sometimes never disappears.

Shortness of Breath - Shortness of breath usually occurs in a number of individuals experiencing chronic bronchitis. This symptom can possibly be set off by overworking or even just mild activity. As the illness advances the shortness of breath may even be set off by something as simple as hiking a small distance, or walking up a few steps in the stairway.

Infections in the Respiratory System - Chronic bronchitis is often the contributing factor of respiratory infections. Because a surplus of mucus is made by the body in patients with respiratory infections, this makes the upper respiratory system very damp and warm. The warmth and moisture can be some sort of breeding ground for infectious agents, and causes infections that are extremely tough to cure after they have been contracted.

Fatigue - Fatigue or exhaustion is commonly encountered by people suffering from chronic bronchitis. They become exhausted easily just after waking, or at different random times during the day. This is because the amount of oxygen in the patients' serum is significantly reduced compared to those who are not affected by this potentially fatal disease.

Inflammation of the Lower Extremities - Because chronic bronchitis can often lead to more problems, as a result of a shortage of oxygen present in the blood, it may turn the skin into a bluish tint or cause the extremities to swell in the later stages of this disease. Leg swelling is additionally an indication of congestive heart failure, thus patients suffering from this symptom should see a physician immediately.

About the Author:

No comments: