acute bronchitis

• What is the definition of acute bronchitis?

  Acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosae caused by infectious, chemical, and mechanical agents.
• What are the most common etiologic agents of acute bronchitis?

  Viruses such as Influenza, Parainfluenza, ECHO, and Adenoviridae.
• What role do bacterial infections play in acute bronchitis?

  Bacterial infections are a common reason for the development of acute bronchitis.
• How does the pathogenesis of acute bronchitis typically progress?

  The inflammation initially damages the upper airways and gradually engages the bronchial mucosae.
• What immune response is often associated with acute bronchitis?

  A low immune response often accompanies the development of acute bronchitis.
• What are the typical clinical features of acute bronchitis?


  • Sudden onset of upper airway symptoms
  • Sneezing, snoring, hoarse voice, chest pain, dry cough
  • Productive cough after 2-3 days
  • Mucous sputum that becomes mucopurulent
  • General manifestations: high fever, malaise, arthralgia, myalgia, headache
• What does the physical examination reveal in acute bronchitis?

  Facies febrilis is present, but inspection, palpation, and percussion do not show snoring and wheezing ronchi.
• What might be auscultated in prolonged and severe acute bronchitis?

  Large and medium humid ronchi might be auscultated.
• What do laboratory tests typically show in acute bronchitis?

  Chest X-ray shows no pathology, while blood count shows mild leukocytosis and ESR elevation.
• What are the common complications of acute bronchitis?

  Common complications include bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia.
• What is the prognosis for acute bronchitis?

  The prognosis is good, with symptoms usually vanishing in 2 weeks.