The signs and symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis, while similar, have some important differences. The origin of the two types of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is a condition that often accompanies a cold or the flu. Symptoms may reflect the cause of the infection. For example, bronchitis that is caused by the flu virus results in symptoms similar to the flu, including fever. Bronchitis caused by colds may produce milder symptoms. Typical signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

• Moist cough
• Cough that produces yellow or green sputum
• Sore chest
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Fatigue

Most cases of this type of bronchitis clear up within a few days. However, a dry, nagging cough may continue for several weeks or months.

Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which signs and symptoms do not come on suddenly, nor do they go away. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis are similar to acute bronchitis, although there is rarely a fever. In addition to the symptoms of acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis often includes:

• Regular coughing and excessive mucus production
• Cough that is worse in the morning and in damp, cold weather
• Symptoms that worsen with high air pollution and during smoking
• Frequent respiratory infections (e.g., colds, the flu)
• Swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
• Blue-tinged lips from cyanosis (lack of oxygen)

As the condition worsens, patients may find themselves becoming increasingly short of breath. As a result, they may have difficulty walking and participating in physical activities.