Common winter diseases: bronchitis

Bronchitis is defined as an inflammation of the lining of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. It is often characterized by coughing spasms that sometimes cause breathlessness.

If you find yourself with the following symptoms, you might have bronchitis:

• Lingering cough 
• Coughing up discolored mucus 
• Fatigue 
• Shortness of breath 
• Slight fever and chills 
• Chest discomfort 

Bronchitis is most common in the winter as a side effect of another virus, cold or flu. Learn more about the different types of bronchitis, when to see a doctor and what you can do to find some relief from the coughing.