Symptoms:

The symptoms of either type of bronchitis may include:

• Chest discomfort
• Cough that produces mucus; if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection
• Fatigue
• Fever -- usually low
• Shortness of breath worsened by exertion or mild activity
• Wheezing

Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.

Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
• Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen
• Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu)

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Abnormal sounds in the lungs called rales or other abnormal breathing sounds may be heard.

Tests may include:

• Chest x-ray
• Lung function tests provide information that is useful for diagnosis and your outlook.
• Pulse oximetry helps determine the amount of oxygen in your blood. This quick and painless test uses a device that is placed onto the end of your finger. Arterial blood gas is a more exact measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, but it requires a needle stick and is more painful.
• Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.