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Overview
There are basically two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Both involve an inflammation of the bronchial tubes which are the pipes that get the air to your lungs. But, when someone is actually referring to bronchitis, they're not usually speaking of the chronic type, as this is probably the least frequent form of the viral infection.
Cough
The most common symptom of bronchitis is a cough. While this may not be the most unambiguous sign of your bronchial infection, it does have its hallmarks. Usually, this sort of cough will start out as not a very productive cough, or at least that's how most mothers will describe it. It's generally dry and lacking in any mucus, presenting itself 3 to 4 days after a bout with the flu or the common cold. That being said, it will shift a few days later, and you'll begin to feel it loosening, so to speak, bringing up some mucus like you'd find in a "normal" cough.
Fever
When you have a bronchial infection like bronchitis, you'll also suffer a fairly mild fever. It normally won't be anything over 101 degrees. Once it goes over this temperature, it's most likely not bronchitis, and you may have something else, like pneumonia (which is an illness that is often mistaken for bronchitis). Even if you're certain of your condition, it's always wise to monitor your temperature over the course of your illness. As soon as your fever spikes, you get the chills and find yourself short of breath, you've got pneumonia.
Rundown
Though this symptom is common with many illnesses, you'll also find yourself rather rundown when you've got bronchitis. This tired feeling will generally last the entirety of the infection, running anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. Of course, this is your body's way of telling you that you need rest, so make sure to take care of yourself, as this bronchial infection can last as long as a month.
Other Respiratory Symptoms
While the dry cough, mild fever and tiredness are the most common indicators, bronchitis also brings with it a number of other respiratory symptoms. One of the most unsettling is the presence of a wheeze. Not that everyone will experience an almost hissing sound while breathing, but many people do. You'll also feel a tightness in your chest, often exacerbated by your cough. This tightness is usually accompanied by a burning sensation and sometimes even pain. If you haven't noticed, you'll pretty much feel like you've been put through the wringer when you have bronchitis.
Treatment
Now that you can identify what you're looking for you should probably know how to treat it. Typically, you'll be able care for yourself from the comfort of your own home. Fluids are fairly important in the treatment of bronchitis as well as cough medicine of some sort. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most appropriate brand. Also, some cough drops will do well in bringing some comfort to your throat. And, of course, you should get plenty of rest.
