Signs of Chronic Bronchitis

Written By Chouhab on lundi 5 janvier 2009 | 04:18

By Amy Cheung

Chronic bronchitis is described as the inflammation or enlargement of the bronchi (air passageways in the upper respiratory system. Chronic bronchitis is often accompanied by the increased production of mucus. This condition can present as several different symptoms, and is commonly difficult to diagnose for the reason that the physical manifestations may be attributed to other diseases that involve the lungs in particular and the respiratory system in general. Presently, one in twenty Americans currently suffers from chronic bronchitis. Despite the fact that the number of documented cases have been consistently falling since the seventies, the total number of people afflicted with chronic bronchitis still concerns physicians as this condition is more often than not fatal. Here are some of the most frequently observed symptoms of this disease:

Coughing - Cough set off by chronic bronchitis is normally initiallyobserved in the early hours of morning, soon after rousing from sleep. The person may cough|get a coughing attack) for an extended period just after waking up. While the illness advances, the cough will become longer, and in some cases cannot be cured.

Shortness of Breath - Shortness of breath usually occurs in a number of individuals experiencing chronic bronchitis. This symptom can possibly be set off by overworking or even just mild activity. As the illness advances the shortness of breath may even be set off by something as simple as hiking a small distance, or walking up a few steps in the stairway.

Infections in the Respiratory System - Chronic bronchitis is often the contributing factor of respiratory infections. Because a surplus of mucus is made by the body in patients with respiratory infections, this makes the upper respiratory system very damp and warm. The warmth and moisture can be some sort of breeding ground for infectious agents, and causes infections that are extremely tough to cure after they have been contracted.

Fatigue - Fatigue or exhaustion is usually experienced by people with chronic bronchitis. These people become tired just after waking, or at other random hours right through the day. This is owing to the fact that the level of oxygen in their blood is substantially decreased compared to those who are not afflicted with chronic bronchitis.

Enlargement of the Lower Extremities - Given that chronic bronchitis can usually trigger further complications, as a result of an insufficiency in oxygen in the blood, it can make the skin blue or cause the extremities to become swollen in the advanced stages of chronic bronchitis. Swelling of the legs is additionally an indication of congestive heart failure, so patients experiencing this symptom must consult with a physician right away.

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