Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a non-specific sign that indicates an underlying lung condition. However, it can be due to acute or chronic bronchitis if it is associated with other signs of this disease like fever, persistent cough, wheezing and chest congestion.
Depending on the severity of the illness, bronchitis can cause orthopnea (breathlessness on walking or doing exercise) as well as apnea (shortness of breath even on sitting and lying straight). It is due to narrowing of airways and bronchial tree secondary to lung inflammation. It usually resolves spontaneously after treatment, however, if you find that you are unable to catch your breath while doing exercise or when you are at rest, you should seek medical attention.