Bronchitis

Bronchitis is often mistaken for the common cold, but it is much more severe. It also requires some medical attention in order for you to feel better. There are some common symptoms that indicate you have bronchitis instead of the common cold. You need to see a doctor if you have several of these symptoms before your bronchitis worsens.

With bronchitis, your chest will feel very heavy, almost like a weight is on top of it. You may find it hard to breath, especially when you are lying down. Many people with bronchitis end up coughing so hard that mucus comes out as they do so. Your doctor can determine if you have bronchitis by listening to your chest. However, it is very likely that you will be able to hear a rattle as you breath in and out as well.

The severity of the symptoms of bronchitis may be different for everyone. This is why it is often hard for people to realize they have something other than a very severe cold. Some people even experience a runny nose which is very consistent with the common cold. Many people experience a very high temperature when they have bronchitis. The fever may come and go along with bouts of chills and being sweaty.

If you are suffering from chronic bronchitis, you may start to experience cold feet or hands. You can also start to see welling in the feet. This is often due to the body not getting the amount of oxygen in the blood that it needs. This can cause further health issues as the blood won’t be circulating properly and the heart will be working much harder than it should.

With early treatment, bronchitis can be cured and you will be back to your old self in no time. Allowing this ailment to continue though can result in serious damage to your lungs. It can also weaken your immune system which can lead to a person developing chronic bronchitis. Make sure you take all of your medication as directed and see your doctor again if the symptoms don’t improve.