10 Bronchitis Symptoms
Symptom #6: Shortness Of Breath
Amid persistent productive coughing, wheezing and congested chest, shortness of breath is one more bronchitis symptom. As we have seen, the bronchi are the main air passages into the lungs. The bronchi are divided further into smaller air passages which lead into air bags deep in the lungs called bronchioles where air exchange occurs. Now, when the bronchi are irritated, they produce excessive amounts of mucus, some of which may flow deeper into the lungs.
This reduces the surface area of the air exchange surface in the bronchioles. The irritated conditions of the bronchi, and bronchioles, make it harder to get enough air into the lungs. The body’s demand for oxygen, and the difficulty in getting air into the lungs lead to shortness of breath.
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