Chapter 1:  Bronchitis, Cough, Cough

 

Before you can actually deal with bronchitis, you need to know what it is and how it affects your body.  Having an education in this information puts you at the forefront of spotting symptoms and taking action before you become ill further or even lessening the effect that bronchitis can have on your daily life.

 

Bronchitis happens in your lungs.  In fact, it is a condition that affects the inner walls in your air passage ways of your lungs.  There, bronchitis causes the lining to become infected and inflamed, causing you the symptoms of fevers, chills, coughing and a pain in your chest.

 

These are the symptoms of acute bronchitis, something that many people will get after they have had a respiratory infection.  If that is what you have, then you may have symptoms that last a few days and perhaps a cough that lasts sometimes as long as three weeks.  In general, though, this type of bronchitis does not last long as is not something that is severe.

 

 

On the other hand, bronchitis that comes back time and time again is something to be concerned about.  Bronchitis can lead to more serious conditions such as emphysema, asthma or even chronic bronchitis.  These need medical attention as soon as possible.

 

If you are someone that smokes, your chances of getting chronic bronchitis are often much more severe than those that are likely to get acute bronchitis.  Later in this book, we will talk about chronic bronchitis and what it does to your body as well as your health.  It’s important to realize the difference between these conditions though.

 

Symptoms To Look For

 

The symptoms of bronchitis really are a tell tale sign of having the condition.  If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek the help of your family doctor as soon as possible.

 

The main sign of this condition is that of a yellow/gray or even green colored mucus that comes up when you are coughing.  This mucus is called sputum.  The mucus should be a sign to you that something is wrong, especially with this type of coloring.

 

Your body produces and needs mucus because it helps to keep your body hydrated.  But, when you notice it, then there is a problem.

 

That’s because the mucus has built up which is a sign of an infection.  Normally, this mucus just slides down your throat when you swallow your saliva.  When there is too much of it,