Upper Respiratory Tract Infections - Acute Bronchitis

Question 1

Most common pathogens for acute bronchitis

Answer 1

Respiratory viruses

Question 2

Clinical presentation of acute bronchitis

Answer 2

-Cough
-Sore throat
-Coryza (runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip)
-Malaise
-Headache
-Fever
-Normal chest imaging

Question 3

Treatment for acute bronchitis

Answer 3

-Self-limiting
-Symptomatic management
-Corticosteroids not necessary
-ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY NOT NECESSARY

Question 4

Methods to reduce antibiotic prescribing

Answer 4

-Delayed antibiotic prescribing
-Show empathy and listen to the patient
-Provide patient education of duration of illness (2-3 weeks) and the futility of antibiotic therapy
-Discuss treatment plan with symptomatic management
-Use terms related to viral infection when discussing with patient

Question 5

What is the number-needed-to-harm in patients taking antibiotics with acute bronchitis?

Answer 5

5 patients