Do I Have Bronchitis?

Do you cough?

Do you have low grade fever (under 38C) and chills or body aches?

Do you cough up thickened mucus, which can be clear, white, yellowish or green?

Do you have chest discomfort or your chest feels full or clogged?

When you breathe, do you have a whistling sound in your chest (wheezing)?

Do you have shortness of breath (you feel like you cannot catch your breath)?

Have you noticed that you cannot climb a stairscase without difficulty or cannot walk as fast as you used to?

Do you feel constant fatigue?

Do your symptoms affect your sleep or work?

Do you smoke or live with a smoker (you are exposed to secondhand smoke)?

Have you had bronchitis before?

Have you noticed that your breathing difficulties have worsened over the years?

Do you have a family history of lung disease?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes (the tubes that carry air to your lungs). Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, exposure to smoke, chemical irritants or bacteria. In order to reduce your risk of bronchitis you need to avoid cigarette smoke, wash your hands frequently or getting a yearly flu vaccine (the influenza virus often cause bronchitis). The symptoms you have may be related to conditions such as common cold or flu, so please consult your doctor for further analysis.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have acute bronchitis. Bronchitis is a condition with inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways in the lungs). Bronchitis can be acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is more common and usually develops after you’ve had a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms can last a few weeks and usually goes away without any treatment. Although, your doctor may recommend cough medications, mucus-loosening medications, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help relieve your symptoms. If you have acute bronchitis caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics can help.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes (air-carrying tubes in the lungs). The bronchial tubes produce too much mucus when inflamed. Bronchitis can be acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection and usually goes away within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious condition, mostly caused by smoking. If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis and you need medical attention. People with chronic bronchitis can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation (a breathing exercise program).