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Acute Bronchitis
Alternate Names : Bronchitis - Acute
Definition An inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs (the bronchi).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Acute bronchitis is generally caused by viral respiratory infections and typically appears just as the symptoms of the initial infection are waning.
These viral infections may be caused by any number of respiratory viruses including the rhinoviruses which cause the common cold. These viruses produce bronchial inflammation which sets the stage for bronchitis and, in some cases, a secondary bacterial infection.
Early symptoms may include a tickle deep in the throat just above the sternal notch which progresses into an irritating dry cough.
As the infection progresses, the cough may become productive with thick yellow sputum (purulent sputum) which is very rarely blood streaked. Associated symptoms may include fever, malaise, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
When affected, infants generally develop other respiratory complications, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, while older children and adolescents develop typical adult symptoms of bronchitis.
Risk factors for bronchitis include recent illnesses that have lowered resistance to infection, a preceding viral respiratory infection, smoking, or chronic lung problems. Acute bronchitis is one of the most common conditions seen in clinical practice..
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• Definition
• Acute Bronchitis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Acute Bronchitis Symptoms & Signs
• Acute Bronchitis Prevention
• Acute Bronchitis Diagnosis & Tests
• Acute Bronchitis Treatment
• Acute Bronchitis Prognosis
• Acute Bronchitis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchitis
• Common Cold
• Lung Disease
• Pneumonia
Tests & Exams
• Chest X-Ray
• Routine Sputum Culture
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Breathing Difficulty - Lying Down
• Chest Pain
• Chronic
• Cough
• Coughing Up Blood
• Fever
• Malaise
• Physical Examination
• Respiratory
• Sore Throat
• Wheezing
Review Date : 9/14/2003
Reviewed By : Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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