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Overview
Bacterial bronchitis symptoms are conditions that you really need to take seriously. Normal bronchitis is when you have an inflammation of your air passages from your nose to your lungs. Bacteria can cause acute bronchitis, which is more serious than normal bronchitis. Usually you will need antibiotics to get rid of bacterial bronchitis. That is why it is so important to know what bacterial bronchitis symptoms are because it can lead to something more serious, like pneumonia.
Cough & Sputum
The number one symptom to keep an eye out for with bacterial bronchitis is when you begin to cough. Pay close attention to your cough. When you cough up something from the back or your throat and lungs, it is called sputum. Pus-filled thick sputum is bacterial. Your sputum can be very dark colored. If it is green or has blood in your sputum, than you probably have bacterial bronchitis.
Fever
Another sign of bacterial bronchitis is having a fever. Viral bronchitis also has signs of fever. However, with bacterial bronchitis your fever will be much higher. Your fever probably will be higher than 101 degrees F. Take acetaminophen for your fever. Fevers tend to go higher in the afternoons, so make sure to take your temperature then.
Breathing
Check your breathing if you think you have bacterial bronchitis. Your breathing might sound like it is wheezing. That is a sure sign of bacterial bronchitis. You will also have pain in your chest when you breathe and a shortness of breath when you breathe. Take deep, slow breaths in and out. Make sure when you go from sitting to standing that you go very slowly, because it will help you with your breathing.
Hoarseness
It will be hard for you to talk when you have bacterial bronchitis. You will feel very hoarse so try not to talk much. Save your voice for when you really need it. Drink a lot of water to help with your hoarseness.
Tiredness
When you have bacterial bronchitis, you totally drained of energy. All you want to do is sleep all day. Your body is having a hard time fighting the bacterial infection, so you really need a good nights rest to help fight the illness. It is okay to put off your chores and take a nap during the day. Rest will help you to get better faster.
