Lower respiratory tract diseases - Acute bronchitis

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Inflammation of the lining of the bronchi

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

Most commonly seen secondary to viral infection (around 95%)

The common pathogens are respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus A and B, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and other similar viruses.

Potential to be causes/ complicated by bacterial infection

It can sometimes be caused by allergens, irritants, and bacteria. Irritants include smoke inhalation, polluted air inhalation, dust, among others

Question 3

Risk factors

Answer 3

Smoking

Patients with chronic airflow limitation

More commonly seen in winter/ early spring

Question 4

Epidemiology

Answer 4

Most common in infants/ children (can occur in any age)

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Coughing

Retrosternal discomfort

Chest tightness/ wheezing

Question 6

Prognosis

Answer 6

Acute bronchitis is self-limiting and resolves with symptomatic treatment in most instances

Question 7

DDX

Answer 7

Asthma: Acute asthma is misdiagnosed as acute bronchitis in approximately one-third of the patients who present with acute cough.

Acute/chronic sinusitis

Bronchiolitis

COPD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Viral pharyngitis

Heart failure

Pulmonary embolism