Acute Bronchitis Flashcards
What is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is a self-limiting Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI), characterised by inflammation of the bronchi, from the primary to tertiary bronchus.
What is the epidemiology of acute bronchitis?
The highest incidence of acute bronchitis occurs in smokers and is more common in autumn and winter than in spring and summer.
What triggers the pathophysiology of acute bronchitis?
Microorganisms trigger inflammation of bronchial mucosa.
What are the common viral infections that cause acute bronchitis?
Commonly caused by viral infections include Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), coronavirus, and rhinovirus.
What are typical bacterial infections associated with acute bronchitis?
Typical bacterial infections include Moraxella, Strep pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
What are atypical bacterial infections that can cause acute bronchitis?
Atypical bacterial infections include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, and Chlamydia.
What is the presentation of acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection characterized by a productive cough that can produce yellow/green phlegm.
What are the structures involved in upper respiratory tract infections?
Nasal cavity: Rhinitis
Sinuses: Sinusitis
Pharynx: Pharyngitis
Larynx: Laryngitis
Tonsils: Tonsillitis
Epiglottis: Epiglottitis
Opening of auditory tube (middle ear): Otitis media
What are the typical symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections?
Headaches, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose
What is the typical duration of upper respiratory tract infections?
1-2 weeks
What is the prognosis for upper respiratory tract infections?
Usually shorter and more mild
What are the complications of upper respiratory tract infections?
Respiratory failure, meningitis, sepsis
What are the structures involved in lower respiratory tract infections?
Trachea: Tracheitis
Bronchi: Bronchitis
Bronchioles: Bronchiolitis
Lungs and alveoli: Pneumonia
What are the hallmark features of lower respiratory tract infections?
Productive cough, dyspnea or tachypnea, wheezing, blue skin tint due to oxygen deficit, chest pain, fever
What is the typical duration of lower respiratory tract infections?
1-3 weeks
What is the prognosis for lower respiratory tract infections?
Usually longer and more severe
What are the complications of lower respiratory tract infections?
Respiratory failure, pulmonary emboli, empyema, bacteraemia, lung abscess, brain abscess, death
What is the investigation for acute bronchitis?
Serology and cultures to identify microorganism, serum procalcitonin level, nasopharyngeal swab, sputum test, and chest X-ray.
What does a high serum procalcitonin level indicate?
It is a marker of bacterial infection; the higher it is, the more likely that acute bronchitis is due to bacterial infection.
What microorganisms can be identified with a nasopharyngeal swab?
Bordetella pertussis, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and chlamydia.
What is the typical course of acute bronchitis?
Usually self-limiting within 1-3 weeks.
What self-care treatments are encouraged for acute bronchitis?
Stop smoking, honey, and over-the-counter cough medicines.
When should oral antibiotics be prescribed for acute bronchitis?
Only if the patient is systemically very unwell or at high risk of complications.
What is the first-line antibiotic for patients aged 18 and over?
Doxycycline.