Acute Bronchitis

Question 1

What is acute bronchitis?

Answer 1

A self-limiting lower respiratory tract infection

infections causing inflammation in bronchial airways.

Question 2

What group of pathogen tends to cause acute bronchitis?

Answer 2

bacterial

Question 3

Pathophys of acute bronchitis?

Answer 3

inflammation of bronchial wall from trigger (often infection)

mucosal thickening

Question 4

Presentation of acute bronchitis?

Answer 4

cough (WORSE AT NIGHT or with exercise) for over 2 weeks

can last up to 3 weeks

• Coughing with or without mucus (cough may last longer)
• Soreness in the chest - substernal/chest wall pain present when coughing
• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches
• Sore throat , + may have constitutional symptoms with/without fever

Question 5

Investigations for acute bronchitis

Answer 5

clinical diagnosis
CXR
CRP
Sputum culture

Question 6

Management for acute bronchitis?

Answer 6

Analgesia
good fluid intake

resolves on own - no ABX unless:

systemically unwell
to prevent a secondary bacterial infection

Question 7

Prognosis of acute bronchitis?

Answer 7

1 to 2 week clear up on own or maybe abx

could develop complications if vulnerable