Acute Bronchitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of acute bronchitis?
A
lower respiratory tract infection causing inflammation in the bronchial airways
2
Q
What is the criteria for acute bronchitis?
A
- acute (less than 3 weeks)
- cough as main symptom
- at least one of sputum, wheezing or chest pain
3
Q
What are the main causes of acute bronchitis?
A
Viruses eg corona virus, rhino virus, RSV, adeno virus
4
Q
What is the pathophysiology of acute bronchitis?
A
acute inflammation of bronchial walls causing oedema, increased mucus
5
Q
What is the presentation of acute bronchitis?
A
- productive cough
- low fever
- wheezes
- rhonci (rattling sound)
6
Q
What are the investigations for acute bronchitis?
A
- clinical diagnosis
- CXR should be normal (rule out pneumonia)
7
Q
DDx?
A
- pneumonia
- allergic rhinitis
- asthma
- URTI
8
Q
What is the management of acute bronchitis?
A
usually self resolving but can give anti-pyretic, cough suppressants
