Acute bronchitis

Causes and Risks:
Bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection and typically appears just as the symptoms of the initial infection are waning. The viral infection, which may be caused by any number of respiratory viruses including the rhinoviruses which cause the common cold , produces bronchial inflammation which sets the stage for bronchitis and secondary bacterial infection.

Early symptoms may include a tickle deep in the throat just above the sternal notch which progresses into an irritating dry cough . As the infection progresses the cough may become productive with thick yellow sputum (purulent sputum) which is occasionally blood streaked. Associated symptoms may include fever , malaise , chest pain and shortness of breath .

Infants generally develop other respiratory complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia while older children and adolescents develop typical adult symptoms of bronchitis.

Risk factors include recent illnesses that have lowered resistance to infection, a preceding viral respiratory infection or chronic pulmonary problems. The incidence is 4 out of 100 people.

Prevention:
Minimize exposure to cold, damp environments which, combined with air pollution, may make people more susceptible to bronchitis .

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
A physical examination confirms the symptoms.

Tests performed may include:



Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms with medications and supportive measures.

Bronchodilators such as theophylline or Bronkosol may be prescribed to open constricted air passages. Antibiotics are are used if the sputum becomes yellow, gray, or green; generally an indication of a secondary bacterial infection. Medications that liquefy mucus secretions (mucolytics) may also be prescribed.

Supportive measures include rest, increased humidity (usisng a cool mist humidifier) to soothe air passages, and increased fluid intake to maintain hydration and to thin respiratory secretions.

Prognosis:
Symptoms usually abate within 7 to 10 days in the absence of prior chronic pulmonary disease .

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of bronchitis occur.

Call your health care provider if being treated for acute bronchitis and breathlessness develops, or if coughing up blood .


This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.