Cough is generally the most common symptom observed amongst patients. It starts early in the course of many acute respiratory tract infections and goes on to become prominent as the disease continues to develop. It is often difficult to distinguish between upper respiratory infection and acute bronchitis within the first few days but cough lasting more than 5 days may suggest acute bronchitis [6].

In patients with acute bronchitis, cough generally lasts from 10-20 days. Sputum production is reported in more than 50% of individuals that present cough as symptom. The sputum may be green, yellow, clear or even blood tinged. In 50% of acute bronchitis cases, purulent sputum is reported. These changes in colour in the sputum is as a result of peroxidase released by leukocytes in sputum and this is why colour alone is not to be considered indicative of bacterial infection.

Fever is an unusual presentation and if this comes with the cough, pneumonia or influenza is often the case. Also, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea are rare. In severe cases, general malaise and chest pain may be presented. When there is severe involvement of the trachea, substernal chest pain association with respiration, coughing and burning will be presented.

Unless the patient has underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or another condition that impairs lung function dyspnea and cyanosis are not observed especially in adults.

Other symptoms of bronchitis include extreme fatigue, muscle aches, headache, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat [7].

• Fever

  Mild fever may be present, but high or prolonged fever is unusual and suggests influenza or pneumonia. On resolution, cough is the last symptom to subside and often takes 2 to 3 wk or even longer to do so. [merckmanuals.com]

  Call your provider if you: Have a cough on most days, or have a cough that keeps returning Are coughing up blood Have a high fever or shaking chills Have a low-grade fever for 3 or more days Have thick, yellow-green mucus, especially if it has a bad smell [nlm.nih.gov]

• Pain

  Additional DIY Articles Sore Throat ; STI ; Sinus Infection ; UTI ; Cough ; Ear Infection ; Cold ; Bladder Infection ; Flu ; Rash ; Stomach Pain ; Earwax Buildup ; Yeast Infection ; Foot Pain ; Strep Throat ; Eye Infection ; Fever ; Back Pain ; Asthma [zoomcare.com]

  Some other strategies that may help include: taking pain relievers to reduce pain and control a person’s fever drinking plenty of fluids getting lots of rest using a humidifier or steam to help loosen mucus avoiding smoking While some people find relief [medicalnewstoday.com]

  If you are experiencing chest pains, call your health care professional or 911 immediately. [myphysiciansnow.com]

  They also share symptoms such as back and muscle pain, a cough, chest soreness, fatigue and wheezing. But that's where the similarities end. Acute bronchitis is generally brought on by a viral or bacterial infection. [uhhospitals.org]

• Fatigue

  Both cause cough, fever, fatigue, and a heavy feeling in your chest. Bronchitis can sometimes progress to pneumonia. Despite similarities, the conditions are different. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  Bronchitis can cause: Cough Production of mucus Shortness of breath Wheezing Chest tightness Low fever and chills Fatigue Most bronchitis is caused by viruses. The same viruses that cause colds and flu often cause acute bronchitis. [aurorahealthcare.org]

  Sinus congestion Chest congestion Shortness of breath Wheezing Fatigue Body aches or chills Chest discomfort from coughing Here's a snapshot of the symptoms that distinguish acute bronchitis from chronic bronchitis, followed by more detailed information [verywell.com]

  They also share symptoms such as back and muscle pain, a cough, chest soreness, fatigue and wheezing. But that's where the similarities end. Acute bronchitis is generally brought on by a viral or bacterial infection. [uhhospitals.org]

• Swelling

  Acute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Other symptoms of bronchitis are a cough and coughing up mucus. [nlm.nih.gov]

  Airflow into and out of your lungs is partly blocked because of the swelling and extra mucus in your bronchi. This makes you cough. [lung.ca]

  Inflammation (swelling and reddening) of the bronchi. [icd9data.com]

• Chest Discomfort

  Some of the most common symptoms associated with both forms of bronchitis include cough, wheezing, chest discomfort, excess mucus production and flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. [lunginstitute.com]

  discomfort If you have acute bronchitis, you might have cold symptoms, such as a mild headache or body aches. [mayoclinic.com]

• Pneumonia

  Sources: Acute Bronchitis Acute Bronchitis in Children Pneumonia Pneumonia in Children ‹ Previous Post Next Post › [chistlukeshealth.org]

  What is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs which can result from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. [floridamedicalclinic.com]

  Less common causes may be Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Less than 5% of cases are caused by bacteria, sometimes in outbreaks. [merckmanuals.com]

  Many people develop pneumonia after a viral infection. It is also possible to get pneumonia after bronchitis. Some vaccinations can reduce the risk of pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccination, for example, can help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. [medicalnewstoday.com]

• Productive Cough

  The differences in presence of a productive cough at follow-up and MD of productive cough did not reach statistical significance.Antibiotic-treated patients were more likely to be unimproved according to clinician's global assessment (six studies with [epubs.rcsi.ie]

  BACKGROUND: Wet or productive cough is common in children with chronic cough. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Days of productive cough Comparison 6. [doi.org]

  The disease is characterized by hypersecretion of mucus accompanied by a chronic (more than 3 months in 2 consecutive years) productive cough. Infectious agents are a major cause of chronic bronchitis. [icd9data.com]

• Pertussis

  Nasopharyngeal samples can be tested for influenza and pertussis if these disorders are clinically suspected (eg, for pertussis, persistent and paroxysmal cough after 10 to 14 days of illness, only sometimes with the characteristic whoop and/or retching [merckmanuals.com]

  Bacterial infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Clamydia pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough), particulary in young adults, can lead to acute bronchitis. [healthcommunities.com]

  However, after the initial diagnosis, nucleic acid amplification tests of her sputum showed the absence of both Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis infections. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Dry Cough

  A specific inhalation challenge with toluene diisocyanate elicited dry cough without significant changes in respiratory function. Sputum induction showed a post-challenge neutrophil increase. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  It can cause a lingering dry cough, but it usually goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis is one type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The inflamed bronchi produce a lot of mucus. [laportehealth.com]

  This causes you to cough. Sometimes it is a dry cough, but often you will cough up mucus (sputum). [lung.org]

  It can cause a lingering dry cough, but it usually goes away on its own. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  Avoiding over-the-counter cough suppressants Share on Pinterest Honey and lemon tea may be equally as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines in reducing a dry cough. [medicalnewstoday.com]

• Aspiration

  Plastic bronchitis in children is a rare condition that can mimic foreign body aspiration and can be associated with underlying pulmonary inflammatory disorders or cardiovascular disease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Aspiration pneumonia can be a persistent infection that takes a toll on your health and takes months to recover from. [verywell.com]

  Bronchoscopy may be needed to exclude foreign body aspiration, tuberculosis, tumors, and other chronic diseases of the tracheobronchial tree and lungs. Therapy is generally focused on alleviation of symptoms. [symptoma.com]

  Stridor heard solely in the inspiratory phase of respiration usually indicates an upper respiratory tract obstruction, "as with aspiration of a foreign body (such as the fabled pediatric peanut). [en.wikipedia.org]

  If your child still has trouble blowing his nose on his own, you can suction it out with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. Sleeping upright. Prop him up with extra pillows while he's resting and sleeping to make it easier for him to breathe. Honey. [babycenter.com]

• Overeating

  Avoiding over-the-counter cough suppressants Share on Pinterest Honey and lemon tea may be equally as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines in reducing a dry cough. [medicalnewstoday.com]

  Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, and prescribing them when they're unnecessary can, over time, make bacteria more resistant to antibiotic treatment. [nhs.uk]

  For example, it can cause temporary paralysis of the cilia and, over time, can kill the ciliated cells in the lining of the airways completely. [brennerchildrens.org]

  Give over-the-counter medications with care. Children over the age of 6 may need a dose of over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen for pain or fever. Follow directions carefully. [childrens.com]

  The cast was removed in a piecemeal fashion by means of serial rigid bronchoscopy over a 6-month period with use of both optical forceps and flexible suction catheters. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Diarrhea

  Abstract Here we present the case of a 5-year-old boy who experienced a prehospital cardiac arrest after a period of wheezing, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Cough ; Ear Infection ; Cold ; Bladder Infection ; Flu ; Rash ; Stomach Pain ; Earwax Buildup ; Yeast Infection ; Foot Pain ; Strep Throat ; Eye Infection ; Fever ; Back Pain ; Asthma ; Neck Pain ; Allergies ; Insect Bites and Stings ; Headache ; Diarrhea [zoomcare.com]

  Also, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea are rare. In severe cases, general malaise and chest pain may be presented. [symptoma.com]

  Side effects can range from minor issues, like a rash, to very serious health problems, such as antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death. [cdc.gov]

• Chest Pain

  Whichever type of bronchitis you may have, you are likely to have a cough that raises mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. [nm.org]

  Bronchitis also may cause wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe), chest pain or discomfort, a low fever, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis Figure A shows the location of the lungs and bronchial tubes in the body. [web.archive.org]

  Other symptoms include wheezing or shortness of breath, chest pain, or a low fever. To diagnose bronchitis, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history and symptoms. [nhlbi.nih.gov]

• Irritability

  Chronic Bronchitis Repeatedly breathing in fumes that irritate and damage lung and airway tissues causes chronic bronchitis. Smoking is the major cause of the condition. [web.archive.org]

  Exposure to irritants on the job. Your risk of developing bronchitis is greater if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes. Gastric reflux. [mayoclinic.com]

Bronchitis may be suspected in patients with an acute respiratory infection with cough; yet, because many more serious diseases of the lower respiratory tract cause cough, bronchitis must be considered a diagnosis of exclusion. A complete blood count with differential may be obtained.

Procalcitonin levels may be useful to distinguish bacterial infections from nonbacterial infections. Studies have shown that they may help guide therapy and reduce the use of antibioics.
If the cough is persistent sputum cytology may be helpful.

Chest radiography should be performed in those patients whose physical examination findings suggest pneumonia. Elderly patients may have no signs of pneumonia; therefore, chest radiography may be warranted in these patients, even without other clinical signs of infection [8].

Bronchoscopy may be needed to exclude foreign body aspiration, tuberculosis, tumors, and other chronic diseases of the tracheobronchial tree and lungs.

Therapy is generally focused on alleviation of symptoms. Toward this goal, a doctor may prescribe a combination of medications that open obstructed bronchial airways and thin obstructive mucus so that it can be coughed up more easily. Care for acute bronchitis is primarily supportive and should ensure that the patient is oxygenating adequately. Bed rest is recommended [9].

The most effective means for controlling cough and sputum production in patients with chronic bronchitis is the avoidance of environmental irritants, especially cigarette smoke.

Prognosis is positive for most bronchitis cases [5]. It may result in absenteeism from work and school but it is generally self-limiting in individuals who are otherwise healthy. Severe cases however may produce deterioration in patients with significant underlying cardiopulmonary disease.

The most common causes of acute bronchitis are respiratory viruses while cigarette smoking is undoubtedly the chief cause of chronic bronchitis.

The most common viral causes of acute bronchitis are influenza A and B virus, parainfluenza, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus. However, an etiologic agent is identified in very few cases. Acute bronchitis is also caused by infections like those caused by Haemophilus influenza, catarrhalis, Moraxella, Streptococcus pneumonia, Chlamydia pneumonia and the Mycoplasma species. Exposure to irritants like pollution, chemicals and tobacco smoke can also bring about acute bronchial irritation. 70-80% of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis arise from respiratory infections.

For chronic bronchitis, cigarette smoking is the major cause [2] [3]. The risk factors that are common for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis include low forced expiratory volume in one second and old age. For chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cigarette smoking is responsible for about 85-90% of cases. According to research, smoking cigars, pipes and marijuana causes the same damage as the cigarettes. All forms of smoking inhibits ciliary movement and the function of the alveolar macrophages. This leads to hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the mucus-secreting glands.

Bronchitis is common worldwide and is one of the top 5 reasons why people seek medical help in many countries. No difference in racial distribution has been reported. Bronchitis most often occurs in autumn or winter. The disorder is seen frequently in countries with a low socioeconomic status and in people who live in urban and industrialized regions. The condition affects more males than females around the world.

The cells of the bronchial-lining tissue of an individual suffering from acute bronchitis are irritated and the mucous membranes become oedematous and hyperaemic [4]. This brings about reduced mucociliary function and clogs up the air passaged with debris thereby increasing irritation. In response, to this a large amount of secretion ensues and this is what brings about the characteristic cough seen with bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis may equally result due to persistent acute bronchitis attacks or it may arise as a result of heavy smoking or inhalation of air that is contaminated with other pollutants in the environment. When the cough of the smoker is continual instead of occasional, it shows a bronchial lining that has thickened and narrowed the airways to a point where breathing is no longer easy.

There is no way to prevent all cases of acute bronchitis. However, the risk of bronchitis and complications can be reduced by not smoking and by getting flu shots to reduce the risk of getting the flu, which can lead to acute bronchitis [10].

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes found the bronchi. The bronchi is the medium and larger sized airways which carry airflow from the trachea down to the distal parts of the lung [1]. Bronchitis is of two types: acute and chronic.

With acute bronchitis, there is cough and a small sensation at the back of the throat and sputum may or may not be present. This type of bronchitis is seen during the course of an acute viral illness like common cold or influenza.

Chronic bronchitis is characterised by the presence of cough lasting more than 3 months or more every year for at least two consecutive years. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This type of bronchitis often develops because of a recurrent injury to the airways caused by irritants inhaled by the individual.

Bronchitis occurs when there is inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes are responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs. Individuals with bronchitis have cough that produces mucus that is thickened. The mucus may be discolored. Bronchitis can either be acute or chronic. 

Acute bronchitis is the most common type of bronchitis and it often arises as a result of cold or other respiratory infections. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is the more serious of the two and it arises from regular irritation and inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. The irritation arises from smoking most of the time. 

Acute bronchitis eases off within a few days without any lasting effects but the accompanying cough may last for weeks or more. If repeated cases of  bronchitis happens it is most likely the chronic form that requires medical attention. 

In many cases, bronchitis doesn't lead to any serious physical damages as outlook is very positive. 

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2. Black S. Epidemiology of pertussis. Pediatr Infect Dis J. Apr 1997;16(4 Suppl):S85-9.
3. Jivcu C, Gotfried M. Gemifloxacin use in the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2009;4:291-300. 
4. Sethi S, Murphy TF. Infection in the pathogenesis and course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med. Nov 27 2008;359(22):2355-65. 
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7. Gonzales R, Steiner JF, Lum A, Barrett PH Jr. Decreasing antibiotic use in ambulatory practice: impact of a multidimensional intervention on the treatment of uncomplicated acute bronchitis in adults. JAMA 1999; 281:1512.
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