Chronic bronchitis is described as the inflammation or enlargement of the bronchi (air passageways in the upper respiratory system. Chronic bronchitis is often accompanied by the increased production of mucus. This condition can present as several different symptoms, and is commonly difficult to diagnose for the reason that the physical manifestations may be attributed to other diseases that involve the lungs in particular and the respiratory system in general. Presently, one in twenty Americans currently suffers from chronic bronchitis. Despite the fact that the number of documented cases have been consistently falling since the seventies, the total number of people afflicted with chronic bronchitis still concerns physicians as this condition is more often than not fatal. Here are some of the most frequently observed symptoms of this disease:

Coughing - Coughing set off by chronic bronchitis is frequently initiallyobserved in the early morning, just after waking up. The individual will most likely cough|get a coughing attack) for several hours after waking up. As the condition advances, this coughing will last for longer into the day, and at times will never go away.

Shortness of Breath - This frequently occurs in a number of patients afflicted with chronic bronchitis. This may be triggered by exhaustion or even slight activity. While the disease progresses the shortness of breath may even be set off by merely walking a short distance, or climbing up some stairs.

Infections in the Respiratory System - Chronic bronchitis is often the contributing factor of respiratory infections. Because a surplus of mucus is made by the body in patients with respiratory infections, this makes the upper respiratory system very damp and warm. The warmth and moisture can be some sort of breeding ground for infectious agents, and causes infections that are extremely tough to cure after they have been contracted.

Fatigue - Fatigue or exhaustion is commonly encountered by people suffering from chronic bronchitis. They become exhausted easily just after waking, or at different random times during the day. This is because the amount of oxygen in the patients' serum is significantly reduced compared to those who are not affected by this potentially fatal disease.

Swelling of the Legs and Ankles - Because chronic bronchitis can commonly lead to more difficulties, as a result of an insufficiency in oxygen present in the blood, it may make the skin blue or cause the extremities to swell in the later stages of chronic bronchitis. Swelling of the legs is additionally a sign of congestive heart failure, so people experiencing this symptom is advised to visit a doctor right away.