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Overview
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages that interferes with breathing and can cause a number of other complications. There are two basic types of bronchitis: acute (caused by an infection or temporary malady) and chronic (caused by lifelong habits such as smoking or working in an unhealthy environment). Bronchitis "flu" usually refers to acute bronchitis, which can be caused by the same types of viruses as the flu and may even be a symptom of the flu in certain cases. The symptoms are fairly easy to spot.
Time Frame
Bronchitis usually appears several days after an acute cold or similar upper respiratory infection. It can last for several weeks, but will diminish with regular care and treatment.
Coughing
The most obvious sign of bronchitis is a lingering cough and accompanying shortness of breath. The cough may be dry, especially in the early stages, but as the bronchitis progresses, it will likely become much moister and produce a great deal of phlegm and mucus.
Tightness
Accompanying the cough is a sense of burning or tightness in the chest. The feeling will grow worse when you breathe in deeply or during any fits of coughing. It may also lead to a shortness of breath when you exert yourself and a wheezing or a hoarseness in your voice.
Exhaustion
Because you are not getting as much air when you suffer from bronchitis, you may feel excessively tired and lacking in energy. Tiredness can also stem from a lack of restful sleep due to your cough. Generally speaking, the less exertions you make while suffering from bronchitis, the better off you will be.
Fever
Though not always present, bronchitis may be accompanied by a mild fever of about 101 degrees Fahrenheit or less. If the fever runs higher than that, it may be a sign of pneumonia, which should be treated by a doctor as quickly as possible.
Prevention/Solution
When suffering from bronchitis, it is important to stay off your feet, lest undue exertion make the symptoms worse. Drink a lot of fluids and take over-the-counter cough medicine to reduce the effects of your cough. Aspirin and ibuprofen can treat the pain in your chest, while breathing warm, moist air from a bath or a humidifier will help clear out the mucus in your lungs. Stay away from caffeine or alcohol when suffering from bronchitis: Both will dehydrate you, which makes mucus more difficult to discharge. Antibiotics don't usually help a case of bronchitis, though they may be used to prevent any further complications. Always consult a doctor if you suspect you suffer from bronchitis.
