Bronchitis - Uncomplicated Acute Disease Summary

Overview

Uncomplicated acute bronchitis is a self-limiting lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) characterized by sudden cough with or without sputum production in an otherwise healthy individual as stated in the Introduction section.

Acute uncomplicated bronchitis is one of the most common clinical conditions encountered by physicians. Other details on its incidence are found in the Epidemiology section.

As stated in the Pathophysiology section, acute bronchitis involves an inflammatory response to infections in the bronchial epithelium. The processes involved are also discussed in this section.

The different causes of acute uncomplicated bronchitis are enumerated in the Etiology section.

History and Physical Examination

The various signs and symptoms of acute uncomplicated bronchitis are enumerated in the Clinical Presentation and Physical Examination sections. As stated in the History section, it is important to perform a complete and detailed medical history that includes tobacco use and exposure to respiratory infections or toxic inhalants.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of acute uncomplicated bronchitis is based on clinical findings, as stated in the Diagnosis and Diagnostic Criteria section.

The Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries and Imaging sections enumerate the tests that can be performed in assessing and evaluating a patient suspected of acute uncomplicated bronchitis.

Other diseases to be considered which may present similarly are in the Differential Diagnosis section.

Management

In the Principles of Therapy section, it reiterates the proper use of antibiotics.

Pharmacological therapy can be divided into symptomatic therapy and antibiotics for pertussis. The various drugs that can be used are enumerated and discussed in the Pharmacological Therapy section.

Several supportive measures and other possible interventions are discussed in the Nonpharmacological section.

The Prevention section enumerates details on the influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.

As stated in the Monitoring section, follow-up is usually not necessary but may serve as an opportunity to check up on the patient’s response to therapy and compliance with lifestyle modifications.