If you wheeze, cough, and spit up mucus, you may wonder if you have a flu bug. But if you also feel weak, short of breath, and tight in the chest, you could have a respiratory condition called asthmatic bronchitis instead. Asthmatic bronchitis occurs when you have bronchitis and asthma. The combined symptoms produced by these two conditions can wreak havoc on your life. Here's how asthmatic bronchitis develops and how you can control your varied symptoms.

What Should You Know About Asthmatic Bronchitis?

Both asthma and bronchitis affect your respiratory system. Bronchitis can occur from things that irritate the lining of your bronchial tubes, including viruses and exposure to cigarette smoke. Asthma develops when the muscular tissue surrounding your airways constrict, swell, and narrow. Asthmatic bronchitis occurs when you develop symptoms of asthma and bronchitis at the same time.

The symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis often include wheezing and coughing. These symptoms occur as mucous builds up inside your irritated and swollen tubes. The swelling in your tubes can also make your throat and chest feel tight and constricted. Your labored breathing can make you feel out of breath, even when you sit down or stand still. 

Although bronchitis can be contagious or passed to someone else, asthmatic bronchitis usually isn't. In addition, self-treating your symptoms might not be safe or healthy for you. One of the best or safest ways to get through your symptoms is to see a doctor. 

Are There Treatments for Asthmatic Bronchitis?

A doctor will need to assess your symptoms before they provide the best treatment for you. If you have a bacterial or viral infection in your bronchial tubes, a doctor will need to treat it before they address your asthma symptoms. After they clear your bronchial tubes of infection or inflammation, a doctor can treat your asthma. 

Quick-acting (fast-relief) inhalers are often the treatment of choice for asthma. Inhalers open up the airways so that air freely enters your lungs. You should always keep your inhalers on you whenever you leave home. Environmental things, such as dust and smoke, can trigger asthma symptoms. 

In addition to fast-relief inhalers, a doctor might use other medications to treat you. The medications may include tablets, liquids, long-term inhalers, and injections. The type of treatment you require may depend on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and age.

For more information about asthmatic bronchitis, contact an asthma treatment specialist near you.