How do I know if my cough is bronchitis?

How do I know if my cough is bronchitis?

Share:
How do I know if my cough is bronchitis?
Author: Camilla Foster
Published: Jan, 27 2025 13:37

If you’ve been dealing with a persistent nasty cough, you may be wondering whether it’s just a seasonal cold or something more serious, like bronchitis. Knowing the difference is crucial, as bronchitis can be either acute or chronic, and understanding the symptoms can help you take the right steps toward recovery.

During the winter, many seasonal illnesses share similar symptoms. To help identify what is bronchitis and what is not, we’ve consulted experts who’ve outlined key red flags to look for and have highlighted when it’s time to seek medical advice and treatment.

What is bronchitis?. It can present in two distinct forms: acute and chronic. What causes it?. “Acute bronchitis is most commonly caused by inflammation of the airways due to infections such as the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19,” says Sharma. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis has a variety of contributing factors.

“These include age and family history,” notes Sharma. “However, the leading cause is smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.”. What are the symptoms?. A hacking cough is the primary symptom of bronchitis, according to the NHS. “A distinguishing feature of a bronchitis-related cough, as opposed to a typical cough, is the presence of mucus production,” highlights Sharma. “This mucus may vary in colour, appearing clear, white, yellow, or green.”.

Share:

More for You

Top Followed