Symptoms of allergic bronchitis

When the mucous membranes of an allergy sufferer come into contact with certain allergens, an allergic reaction is triggered with the formation of IgE antibodies. This happens because the body’s own immune system identifies harmless substances as dangerous and reacts by producing antibodies. This results in complaints such as : During an allergic reaction, the eyes are sensitive and the sense of smell and taste is often impaired.

Similar to the outer skin and mucous membranes, the lung tissue can also react. A “floor change” is when affected patients develop additional bronchitis or asthma symptoms over time. It is therefore important to be aware of one’s allergies and to treat them appropriately at the right time. – red, swollen eyes

A runny nose
Irritation of the throat
Shortness of breath
Tickle in the throat
Chest tightness
Itching
Swelling or foreign body sensation of the skin or mucous membranes

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis

Typical symptoms of chronic bronchitis are a productive cough and bronchial mucus due to the permanent inflammation of the airways. In the morning hours, an increased amount of glassy-white, viscous secretion is often coughed up, which is also known as sputum. In addition to these main symptoms, general cold symptoms such as general exhaustion, rhinitis and headaches often occur.

Patients often complain of chest pain (so-called thoracic pain), mainly behind the breastbone, which is triggered and intensified by the constant coughing. In advanced stages, patients may also experience shortness of breath (dyspnoea). Due to the slow, chronically progressing inflammatory process, the increase in the symptoms of the disease is also gradual.

The chronic inflammatory process of the bronchial tubes is usually triggered by the regular inhalation of toxins, including cigarette smoke in particular. The inhaled toxins damage the lung tissue itself and the self-cleaning system of the lungs, causing the mucous membranes to swell and produce a viscous secretion. The inflammation of the lung progresses particularly if the lung tissue is still exposed to the corresponding toxins, for example if the affected patient continues to smoke cigarette smoke, gases or dust or inhales them. The symptoms can become even worse if there is also an acute infection of the respiratory tract.

Symptoms of bronchitis in adults

In adults, bronchitis is usually harmless and in most cases is overcome after two weeks. The bronchitis begins within hours to days with a strong dry cough without sputum and can be accompanied by chest pain due to its severity. After a few days, the bronchial mucosa produces more secretion to get rid of the pathogens.

This then shows up as a productive cough, which is accompanied by a mucopurulent sputum. If during the illness a further infestation by bacteria (a so-called “bacterial superinfection“) occurs, the sputum can appear yellowish and purulent. Further symptoms in adults are slight fever and shortness of breath, as well as unspecific cold symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, aching limbs, headaches and a cold.

Bronchitis in adults with a healthy and strong immune system is usually mild and usually limits itself after 1-2 weeks. Adults, on the other hand, who already have a weakened immune system due to previous illnesses (such as COPD, heart failure or cancer), usually suffer from more severe bronchitis. Their airways are usually very quickly secondarily colonised by bacteria, resulting in high fever, purulent sputum and a rapid transition to the lungs. In the worst case, pneumonia can develop, leading to deterioration of respiratory function and severe shortness of breath.