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Chronic bronchitis is described as the swelling or inflammation of the air passageways (bronchi) in the upper respiratory system. This is often occurring with an overproduction of mucus. This can present as several different symptoms, and is frequently difficult to diagnose for the reason that the physical manifestations can be easily mistaken for other conditions that affect the respiratory system, particularly the lungs. At present, one in twenty Americans currently has been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. Despite the fact that the number of documented cases have been steadily decreasing from the 70s onward, the number of people suffering from chronic bronchitis still concerns physicians as it is commonly life threatening. Below are some of the most common manifestations of this disease:
Coughing Coughing triggered by chronic bronchitis is usually originallydetected in the early morning, soon after getting up from bed. The person can possibly {{{cough|get a coughing attack) lasting up to several hours just after waking up. As the illness worsens, this coughing will last longer, and in some cases never disappears.
Shortness of Breath This symptom usually occurs in a number of people experiencing chronic bronchitis. This may be set off by exhaustion or even just mild activity. As the condition advances the shortness of breath may even be caused by simply walking a little distance, or walking up a few steps in the stairway.
Infections in the Respiratory System - Chronic bronchitis is more often than not the foremost contributing factor of infections of the respiratory system. For the reason that an excessive amount of mucus is made by the body in those suffering from respiratory infections, this makes the upper respiratory system abnormally damp and warm. This environment can easily become some sort of breeding ground for infection, and causes infections that are very difficult to treat as soon as they are acquired.
Fatigue Fatigue or exhaustion is usually experienced by people suffering from chronic bronchitis. They become tired just after waking, or at various random hours during the day. This is owing to the fact that the amount of oxygen in their blood is exceedingly reduced compared to those who don't suffer from the disease.
Enlargement of the Lower Extremities Given that chronic bronchitis may commonly trigger further difficulties, as a result of a lack of oxygen present in the blood, it can cause a bluish color in the skin or cause the extremities to become swollen in the advanced stages of this disease. Leg swelling is also a symptom of congestive heart failure, so people suffering from this symptom must visit a physician as soon as possible.
