Acute Bronchitis

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis?

Answer 1

Decreased lung sounds bilaterally

Productive or non-productive cough

Other URI s/s

Question 2

When to presume acute bronchitis is viral versus bacterial?

Answer 2

Presume acute bronchitis is viral unless fever is present

Question 3

How long is the usual course of acute bronchitis?

Answer 3

< or = 21 days of s/s, especially cough

Question 4

What is the treatment for acute bronchitis?

Answer 4

Oral fluids

OTC comfort measures

Albuterol if wheezing present

Reassurance (re: length of course)

Antibiotics if fever/bacterial

Question 5

When are chest x-ray and follow-up required for acute bronchitis?

Answer 5

Only if:

 - fever is present to rule out pneumonia
 - s/s lasting > 21 days
 - presentation of fever or new s/s