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Health Tip: Identifying Symptoms of Bronchitis

(HealthDay News) -- Bronchitis is typically caused by a respiratory virus, and much less frequently, by a bacterial infection, the American Lung Association says.

Risk factors include having close contact with someone who has bronchitis, failure to get age-appropriate vaccinations, and exposure to tobacco smoke, fumes, dust and air pollution.

The American Lung Association says symptoms of bronchitis typically include:

• Coughing up mucus that may be yellow or green.

• Runny and stuffy nose starting a few days before chest congestion.

• Feeling tired.

• Sore ribs from prolonged periods of coughing.

• Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing.