Acute bronchitis

Question 1

Acute bronchitis is an acute infection of the bronchial tree. What is the etiology?

Answer 1

• 80% Viral (Rhino, adeno, influenza, RSV)

- 20% Bacteria (M. pneumo, C. pnemo, S. pneumo)

Question 2

Acute bronchitis commonly presents with the following symptoms:

Answer 2

• Productive cough (Worse at night)
• Recent URTI
• Mild fever
• Substernal chest pain worse with cough & inspiration

Question 3

43yo male with URTI 2 weeks ago, now has productive cough (Worse at night), mild fever, substernal chest pain worse with cough & inspiration. What is his most likely diagnosis?

Answer 3

Acute bronchitis
Most likely organisms:
-80% Viral (Rhino, adeno, influenza, RSV)
-20% Bacteria (M. pneumo, C. pnemo, S. pneumo)

Question 4

43yo male with URTI 2 weeks ago, now has productive cough (Worse at night), mild fever, substernal chest pain worse with cough & inspiration. What are you likely to find on physical exam?

Answer 4

• Purulent sputum
• wheezes
• crackles

Question 5

43yo male with URTI 2 weeks ago, now has productive cough (Worse at night), mild fever, substernal chest pain worse with cough & inspiration. What investigations would you do?

Answer 5

• CXR if ø improvement

- PFT if suspected asthma/COPD

Question 6

43yo male with URTI 2 weeks ago, now has productive cough (Worse at night), mild fever, substernal chest pain worse with cough & inspiration. On physical exam you note he has purulent green sputum, wheezes and scattered crackles. What treatment would you offer?

Answer 6

1. Educated likely re:viral etiology
2. No routine use of ABx
3. Offer bronchiodilators for wheeze.
   * Note if ø wheeze = ø bronchiodilators