Bronchitis is defined loosely as the inflammation of one’s bronchial tubes. This is when the inner membrane of bronchi of a patient is usually inflame or infected thus leading to the secretion of mucus. There are two types of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. About 50% of acute bronchitis is brought about by infection and can last for several weeks. Chronic bronchitis on the other hand is brought about reaction to smoke and can last for until three months.
Though there are two types of bronchitis, these two share common symptoms that a person suffering from the illness can experience. One question though surface whenever there is a discussion of bronchitis. This question is whether it is contagious. The answer to this question is yes since it is a lung infection thus can be spread through breathing.
Nevertheless, the symptoms of bronchitis can start from simple dry, hacking cough. When this coughing progresses, there is an expectoration of cough described as yellowish or grayish phlegm. When this symptom still persists for more than three months, it is already diagnosed as chronic bronchitis. But before it can lead to chronic bronchitis, the condition can still show symptoms like: sore throat, dyspnea, chest pain, headache, body ache, fatigue, chest congestion and tightness and wheezing. From time to time the patient may also experience mild chill or fever because of the infection.
In case when the patient coughs up blood, it is already advisable to seek professional medical attention. This is for the reason that the condition of bronchitis has already progressed into a lung cancer or tuberculosis.
Bronchitis is treatable and easy to manage given expert medical attention. It is always advised that when a person experience coughing from days that he consult a doctor and check whether there is an infection in his bronchial tubes.
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