Chronic bronchitis is characterized by the enlargement or inflammation of the airways or bronchi in the upper respiratory system. Chronic bronchitis is often accompanied by the abnormally high production of mucus. Chronic bronchitis can occur with several different symptoms, and is typically challenging to diagnose for the reason that the physical signs are so similar to other diseases that involve the respiratory system, particularly the lungs. To date, at least one in twenty Americans currently is afflicted with chronic bronchitis. Though the number of documented cases have been slowly decreasing from the 70s to the present, the majority of individuals suffering from chronic bronchitis is still a cause for concern as chronic bronchitis is usually life threatening. The following are some of the most common physical symptoms of chronic bronchitis:
Coughing - Coughing set off by chronic bronchitis is usually firstseen in the early morning, just after rising from bed. The patient can possibly cough|get a coughing attack) for a prolonged period after waking up. As the disease further develops, this coughing will become more pronounced, and depending on the severity, will not go away.
Shortness of Breath - This occurs in the majority of people experiencing chronic bronchitis. This symptom can possibly be set off by exhaustion or even just mild activity. While the illness further develops the shortness of breath may even be set off by simply strolling a little distance, or walking up a few steps in the stairway.
Infections in the Respiratory System - Chronic bronchitis is often the cause of respiratory infections. Since an excessive amount of mucus is manufactured by the body in individuals with respiratory infections, this this results in the upper respiratory system becoming very warm and moist. This environment can easily be a hotbed of sorts for infectious agents, and causes infections that are extremely hard to treat after they are acquired.
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.
Enlargement of the Ankles and Legs - Because chronic bronchitis may commonly lead to further difficulties, due to insufficient levels of oxygen in the blood, it can turn the skin blue or cause a swelling in the extremities in the later stages of chronic bronchitis. Swollen legs are also a symptom of congestive heart failure, thus patients suffering from this symptom should see a doctor right away.
Coughing - Coughing set off by chronic bronchitis is usually firstseen in the early morning, just after rising from bed. The patient can possibly cough|get a coughing attack) for a prolonged period after waking up. As the disease further develops, this coughing will become more pronounced, and depending on the severity, will not go away.
Shortness of Breath - This occurs in the majority of people experiencing chronic bronchitis. This symptom can possibly be set off by exhaustion or even just mild activity. While the illness further develops the shortness of breath may even be set off by simply strolling a little distance, or walking up a few steps in the stairway.
Infections in the Respiratory System - Chronic bronchitis is often the cause of respiratory infections. Since an excessive amount of mucus is manufactured by the body in individuals with respiratory infections, this this results in the upper respiratory system becoming very warm and moist. This environment can easily be a hotbed of sorts for infectious agents, and causes infections that are extremely hard to treat after they are acquired.
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.
Enlargement of the Ankles and Legs - Because chronic bronchitis may commonly lead to further difficulties, due to insufficient levels of oxygen in the blood, it can turn the skin blue or cause a swelling in the extremities in the later stages of chronic bronchitis. Swollen legs are also a symptom of congestive heart failure, thus patients suffering from this symptom should see a doctor right away.
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