Persistent cough with phlegm

Acute bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis

Acute bronchitis

• Is a chest cold where there is short-term inflammation of the airways in the lungs
• Persistent cough and phlegm production could last up to 3 weeks
• Affects people of all ages but children under the age of five are more susceptible
• It is a progression after a common cold, sore throat or flu.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough (most common)
• Clear, yellow-grey or greenish phlegm
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Chest discomfort
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Aches and pains
• Tiredness

Causes

• Virus or bacteria
• Usually caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu
• It is spread through air and physical contact

Risk Factors

• Smoking and existing lung disease
• Contact with dust, chemical fumes and vapors
• Air pollution, infections and allergies can worsen the symptoms

Treatment

• Treatments are to mainly relieve symptoms and make breathing easier
• Plenty of rest
• Lots of fluid
• Stop smoking
• Cough medicines that are mucolytic in nature dissolve the phlegm making it easier to cough up the phlegm

Best to consult your doctors for appropriate treatment