Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

When To See A Doctor

The signs and symptoms mentioned in the previous pages, whether they occur singularly or in combination, do not automatically mean one has bronchitis.  However, the presence of these signs and symptoms, especially if they progressively get worse, could lead to bronchitis (if you don’t have it yet), or worse illnesses like pneumonia or chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD).  If you have a runny nose, that would not normally be a cause for much concern, at least not yet.  If your runny nose progresses to the dry cough which progresses to the phlegmatic cough, it may be good to check with a doctor.

If your phlegmatic cough persists, disrupts your sleep, drains your energy, produces phlegm that is brownish or greenish in color, or if you have traces of blood in your phlegm, it is important to see the doctor already.  It is likely that this illness will not go away unless treated.  And without treatment, it could get worse.