Which symptom would primarily suggest the presence of bronchitis rather than other respiratory conditions?

A productive cough with sputum is a hallmark symptom of bronchitis. In bronchitis, particularly acute bronchitis, the airways become inflamed and produce excess mucus, leading to a cough that is often productive, meaning it brings up mucus or phlegm. This symptom helps differentiate bronchitis from other respiratory conditions, as many other respiratory issues may not include a productive cough.

For instance, sharp chest pain with breathing may indicate pleurisy or a pulmonary embolism; wheezing on expiration could be more indicative of asthma or other obstructive airway diseases; and a hoarse voice might suggest laryngitis or other issues related to the upper respiratory tract. These symptoms do not specifically point to bronchitis, making the productive cough with sputum the most telling indicator of this condition.