-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
respiratory system
bronchitis
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
Acute infection of the trachea and bronchioles.

etiology:
The infection usually follows an upper respiratory infection. It is most common in the winter. Other factors involved in developing bronchitis include air pollution, chronic sinusitis, as well as irritating fumes (acute irritative bronchitis), such as ammonia, smoke, chlorine and others.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
There may have been, or still are, symptoms of a URI (malaise, sore muscles, sore throat, nasal discharge, fever).
• cough: Starts off dry, but then develops into a productive cough after several days
• sputum: may go from white, to green/yellow, to brown; may contain streaks of blood
• severe breath sounds, usually: clear wheezes or crackles
• mild fever

lab findings:
• increased WBCs possible, with shift to left or right.
• x-ray or culture and Gram stain of sputum indicated to rule out other pathologies

course and prognosis

Bronchitis is a self-limiting disease that typically heals fully and totally. Complications include pneumonia, the development of chronic bronchitis with associated COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); and acute respiratory failure (only in severe cases usually in debilitated or elderly patients). Conventional treatment is palliative.

differential diagnosis

• Pneumonia.
• Pleurisy.
• Pharyngitis.


footnotes