ACUTE BRONCHITIS MOHW AUGUST 2020

DEFINITION
 Acute bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by cough due to acute inflammation of the
trachea and large airways without evidence of pneumonia.
 self-limiting.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

 Cough
o May last about two to three weeks
 with or without sputum production
 Dyspnea
 Nasal congestion
 Headache
 Fever
 Wheezes that typically improve with coughing.

CAUSES
 Usually caused by viruses
o rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus, human
metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus
 Bacteria are detected in 1% to 10%

INVESTIGATIONS
 Usually not required
 Indications for CXR
o Dyspnea, bloody sputum, or rusty sputum color
o Pulse > 100 beats per minute
o Respiratory rate > 24 breaths per minute
o Oral body temperature > 100°F (37.8°C)
o Signs of focal consolidation

MANAGEMENT
 Only Supportive care ( Hydration ) and symptom management ( paracetamol, cough linctus )
 Antibiotics usually NOT required
 Steroids usually NOT indicated

REFERENCES

 Scott K, Natalie AL for American Academy of Family Physicians. Acute Bronchitis. Am Fam Physician.
2016;94(7):560-565
 Peter W. Bronchitis (acute). Clinical Evidence 2015;07:1508