- Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses
- Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.
- 69. Bronchitis - Top
- Definition
An inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs (the bronchi).
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors
Bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection and typically appears just as the symptoms of the initial infection are waning. The viral infection, which may be caused by any number of respiratory viruses including the rhinoviruses which cause the common cold, produces bronchial inflammation which sets the stage for bronchitis and 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 occasionally blood streaked. Associated symptoms may include fever, malaise, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Infants generally develop other respiratory complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia while older children and adolescents develop typical adult symptoms of bronchitis.
Risk factors include recent illnesses that have lowered resistance to infection, a preceding viral respiratory infection or chronic pulmonary problems. The incidence is 4 out of 100 people.
Symptoms
cough
may produce pus-like sputum or mucous-like sputum
may have episodes of coughing up blood (blood streaked sputum
lasting for less than 6 weeks
shortness of breath
may cause the individual to awaken at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea)
wheezing
rales
rattle in chest
general ill feeling (malaise)
slight fever
throat, sore
chest pain, soreness, and constricted feeling in the chest
chills (uncommon)
Signs And Tests
A physical examination confirms the symptoms.
Tests performed may include:
a chest X-ray to determine if pneumonia has developed
a sputum culture to determine if the inflammation is caused by bacteria
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms with medications and supportive measures.
Bronchodilators such as theophylline or Bronkosol may be prescribed to open constricted air passages. Antibiotics are are used if the sputum becomes yellow, gray, or green; generally an indication of a secondary bacterial infection. Medications that liquefy mucus secretions (mucolytics) may also be prescribed.
Supportive measures include rest, increased humidity (usisng a cool mist humidifier) to soothe air passages, and increased fluid intake to maintain hydration and to thin respiratory secretions.
Expectations (Prognosis)
Symptoms usually abate within 7 to 10 days in the absence of prior chronic pulmonary disease.
Complications
pneumonia
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of bronchitis occur.
Call your health care provider if being treated for acute bronchitis and breathlessness develops, or if coughing up blood.
Prevention
Minimize exposure to cold, damp environments which, combined with air pollution, may make people more susceptible to bronchitis.
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
- Updated: March 5, 2001
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