What Is Bronchitis?
4. Acute Bronchitis Symptoms
Patients with bronchitis often present with a cough in the fall or winter months. Cough is the commonest symptom and often begins as part of an acute respiratory tract infection and gradually becomes more severe with progression of the disease. Acute bronchitis is difficult to distinguish from an upper respiratory tract infection, especially during the first few days.
However, a cough that lasts more than 5 days is more suggestive of acute bronchitis. The cough in acute bronchitis usually lasts about 10 to 20 days. More than 50% of patients often report sputum production that may be clear, green, yellow, or streaked with blood. The changes in sputum color is due to the presence of peroxidase released by leukocytes and should not be indicative of bacterial infection. Other associated symptoms include sore throat, headache, runny nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Fever is unusual and, if present, should suggest influenza or pneumonia.
Advertisement
