lung and airway disorders
Acute Bronchitis
Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis
Infections causing acute bronchitis typically begin with the symptoms of a common cold: runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. In addition, in people with COVID-19, fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and loss of smell and taste are more common. After several days, cough begins (usually dry at first). People may cough up small amounts of thin, white mucus. This mucus often changes from white to green or yellow and becomes thicker. The color change does not indicate a bacterial infection. Color change means only that cells associated with inflammation have moved into the airway and are coloring the sputum. People do not usually have a high fever or chills unless the bronchitis was caused by a more serious infection, such as Influenza (Flu) , or Coughing up yellow or green-colored sputum does not mean the infection is caused by bacteria. Because bronchitis can temporarily narrow the airways, people may develop wheezing and/or shortness of breath, similar to what happens in an Asthma . Acute bronchitis itself does not cause serious complications. However, the cough can last for 2 to 3 weeks or even longer. Some infections that cause bronchitis, such as Influenza (Flu) , can lead to infection of the lung tissue ( 