The typical cough of bronchitis – and other tiring symptoms of this respiratory infection

The typical cough of bronchitis and other tiring symptoms

Because of all the viruses circulating in the air, bronchitis is a common infection at the end of the year. Here are the characteristic symptoms to recognize it.

Bronchitis is an infection that is more often viral than bacterial. It is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, the tissue that lines the bronchi and bronchioles. Before bronchitis begins, a cold is present and does not take care of itself. The infection “falls” on the bronchi as we can hear. Bronchitis then occurs with its share of symptoms:

  • A common cold : the nose is congested, nasal secretions are thick
  • A dry coughnon-productive at the beginning, which then evolves towards a wet cough more or less productive. The acute phase of bronchitis, characterized by this cough, evolves over 2 to 3 days approximately.
  • Of the sputum : Expectoration of mucus is a common symptom of bronchitis (especially in adults). It is due to an increase in bronchial secretion during the inflammatory state.
  • There cough can cause vomiting containing mucus.
  • A low-grade fever which does not exceed 38-38.5°C
  • Sometimes also chest pain and a burning sensation in the sternum, especially during deep inspirations
  • A fatigue and body aches.

These are the symptoms of acute bronchitis, the one that happens when a nasty virus has contaminated us. Bronchitis can also be chronic.

What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis? COPD?

Chronic bronchitis is defined by the presence of cough and sputum for at least 3 months per yearduring two consecutive years at least. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a aggravated chronic bronchitis (smoker’s disease), with progressive obstruction of the airways, which results in a non-completely reversible reduction in air flow. It progresses towards respiratory failure and is often associated with anxiety and depressive disorders.

How long do the symptoms last?

Viral in 90% of cases, bronchitis generally heals well within one ten days but the cough may persist after this time. Do not hesitate to consult the doctor again if the condition does not improve, especially in children. Finally, do not forget that bronchitis is contagious when it is of viral origin (the virus is spread through secretions when you cough, spit, sneeze, etc.). To limit its transmission, it is recommended to cover your mouth and nose ; use single-use tissues and throw them in a trash can with a lid; wash your hands frequently with liquid soap for 30 seconds; limit contact with vulnerable people and avoid gathering places.

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