-
Overview
Bronchitis is an upper respiratory infection that typically causes the sufferer to experience coughing and mucus buildup. There are other unusual symptoms of the disease that occur in only a relatively small number of cases. These symptoms are usually the result of one of the major symptoms such as excessive coughing causing chest pain.
Headache
A small number of people with bronchitis experience headache-related symptoms. They typically don't report those symptoms because bronchitis affects the respiratory system. The headache usually settles around the sides or temples and fluctuates throughout the day. In some cases, this headache can be quite extreme and painful enough that the individual seeks treatment. The headache often doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatment and typically dissipates once the bronchitis has been treated and cured.
Wheezing
Some individuals diagnosed with bronchitis exhibit symptoms of wheezing. The wheezing sound escapes from their mouth during specific moments, such as physical activity. The wheezing can also occur when the patient tries to take a deep breath, though this only happens in extreme cases and is more common with chronic bronchitis. There are also some unusual cases where the wheezing eventually turns into a rattling in the chest or throat, which makes it difficult for the patient to breathe easily.
Fatigue
An unusual symptom of bronchitis is fatigue or the feeling of being tired. The patient usually feels extremely tired and has problems performing his regular routine. He may leave work early because of the feelings, go to bed early or sleep longer in the day. Those who experience this symptom also take frequent naps throughout the day but still feel tired. This only occurs in a small number of bronchitis cases.
Fever
Fever is a symptom often associated with respiratory infections and viruses but not often associated with bronchitis. However, some patients diagnosed with bronchitis have exhibited this unusual symptom. The fever is usually low, only a degree or two higher than her normal temperature. In a few rare cases though, the fever can be high enough to induce chills or sweats. Those who run an extremely high temperature when ill are more likely to develop this symptom.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is an unusual symptom of bronchitis, diagnosed in a small number of patients. This is usually associated with those patients who experience wheezing or rattling in their chests or throats. They typically complain about their chests feeling sore due to the large amounts of coughing. Other patients have complained about their chests feeling tight, as if someone was squeezing it. The level of pain varies depending on the individual, with some feeling only a dull ache and others feeling high levels of pain.
