Do You Have Bronchitis? Symptom Checker

Do I Have Bronchitis? Quick Quiz

Coughing and chest discomfort may seem harmless at first, but if they last or get worse, they could be signs of bronchitis. Take this quick quiz to reflect on your symptoms:

• Do you have a cough that lasts more than a week?
  A lingering cough is one of the most common signs of acute bronchitis.
• Are you bringing up mucus when you cough?
  Mucus production often points to airway irritation, which happens with bronchitis.
• Do you feel short of breath when walking or climbing stairs?
  Trouble breathing can suggest your airways are narrowed or inflamed.
• Have you noticed chest tightness or discomfort?
  This can occur when the airways are irritated and struggling to stay clear.
• Do you feel more tired than usual because of your cough?
  Constant coughing can drain your energy and disturb your rest.

If several of these answers are “yes,” it’s worth paying closer attention to your symptoms. While it doesn’t confirm bronchitis, it’s a good reason to learn more or speak with a healthcare provider.

Remember: The quiz and symptom checker are for guidance only. They are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, consult a healthcare provider.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways that carry air to your lungs. When these airways get irritated, they produce more mucus, which makes it harder to breathe comfortably. The main sign is usually a cough, but it often comes with other bothersome symptoms.

There are two main types:

• Acute bronchitis happens suddenly, often after a cold or flu, and usually goes away in a couple of weeks. It affects 5% of US adults annually.
• Chronic bronchitis lasts for months and keeps coming back, often linked to long-term irritation of the lungs, like from smoking or constant exposure to polluted air. It affects about 3-22% of the global population.

What Causes Bronchitis?

Bronchitis can develop for different reasons, but the most common ones are:

• Viral infections - These are the main cause and often follow a cold or flu.
• Bacterial infections - Less common, but they can also trigger inflammation in the lungs.
• Lifestyle and environment - Smoking, secondhand smoke, polluted air, and constant exposure to dust or chemicals can irritate the lungs and make bronchitis more likely.

A simple way to lower your risk is to avoid smoky or dusty environments whenever possible and keep indoor air clean with good ventilation.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

The symptoms can vary, but the most common ones include:

• Cough - often lasting for weeks, sometimes bringing up mucus.
• Shortness of breath - especially when walking or climbing stairs.
• Chest discomfort - a heavy or tight feeling in the chest.
• Fatigue - feeling tired and run-down from the constant coughing.

With acute bronchitis, symptoms usually appear quickly and improve within a couple of weeks. With chronic bronchitis, they last much longer, come back often, and can feel worse over time.

How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed?

Doctors often diagnose bronchitis by listening to your symptoms and medical history. They may ask how long you’ve been coughing, whether you’re bringing up mucus, and if you’ve had any recent infections.

In some cases, extra tests may be needed to rule out other conditions. These can include:

• Listening to your chest with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or unusual sounds.
• A chest X-ray to make sure it isn’t pneumonia.
• A sputum test to look for signs of infection in the mucus.

When to See a Doctor

Most cases of acute bronchitis clear up on their own, but sometimes it’s important to get medical attention. You should see a doctor if:

• Your cough lasts more than three weeks.
• You have a high fever or chest pain.
• Your symptoms get worse instead of better.
• The cough keeps coming back again and again.
• You already have a condition like asthma, COPD, or a weakened immune system.

Can Bronchitis Be Prevented?

You can’t always avoid bronchitis, but there are practical steps to lower your risk:

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke - tobacco smoke is one of the biggest triggers for chronic bronchitis.
• Practice good hygiene - wash your hands often to reduce the spread of viruses.
• Stay up to date with vaccines - this helps prevent infections that can lead to bronchitis.
• Protect your lungs - wear a mask if you’re in polluted or dusty places, and keep indoor air clean with good ventilation.

Even small changes in daily habits can make your lungs healthier and reduce the chances of bronchitis returning.

Still not sure what your symptoms are about? Try Docus Bronchitis Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms. It’s quick, simple, and gives clear guidance, but remember, it’s not a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis.