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Bronchitis, Acute Updated 3/2011

Alan J. Cropp, MD
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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • General Prevention
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • In-patient Considerations

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Inflammation of trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles resulting from a respiratory tract infection or chemical irritant (1,2)
  • Cough is the predominant symptom (3).
  • Generally self-limited, with complete healing and full return of function
  • Most infections are viral if no underlying cardiopulmonary disease is present.
  • Synonym(s): Tracheobronchitis, chest cold
ALERT: Geriatric Considerations
  • Can be serious, particularly if part of influenza, with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure (CHF) (3)
ALERT: Pediatric Considerations
  • Usually occurs in association with other conditions of upper and lower respiratory tract (trachea usually involved) (4)
  • If repeated attacks occur, child should be evaluated for anomalies of the respiratory tract, including immune deficiencies or for chronic asthma.
  • When acute bronchitis ...

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See Also
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The Trachea and Bronchi and Mucus Membranes Cross Section LabeledCredit: NA
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