Acute bronchitis

Introduction

Acute bronchitis occurs most often in the ages deemed most vulnerable (younger ages, including toddlers, and advanced ages). This is due to the fact that levels of immunity are especially lower for these ages. In children, oropharyngeal infections (infections of the mouth and throat) occur often, and the chances of this infection invading lower parts of the respiratory tract increase. In infectious diseases, the infection may affect the lungs or bronchi via the blood circulatory vessels. Children who have a history of suffering from oropharyngeal infections are reccommended to exrcise and practise sports, taking walks in fresh air, and other outdoor activities which help boost the immune system against all infections including those affecting the respiratory tract. The elderly are also considered vulnerable to this disease, because they are a target group which usually suffers from other accompanying diseases, such as chronic diseases, diabetes, hypertension, renal disease etc. Their age also implies a less effective immune system.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi

Articles for acute bronchitis

Introduction

Symptoms of acute bronchitis

The main symptoms of cough bronchitis are: cough, viral infection, breathing difficulty, fever, chest pain, tiredness, allergy, smoking.

Diagnosis of acute bronchitis

Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, doctors have to decide upon a variety of methods for diagnosing and treating the disease. If coughing is prolonged over several months, then the physician must further characterize and narrow down the causes behind the cough.

Treating acute bronchitis

Cough bronchitis treatments include antibiotics, a medication which serves to dissolve and thus help the patient remove the secretions from their bronchi and vitamins. At times, broncho-dilators may be used if the patient is suffering from moderate respiratory distress.

Doctor - patient conversation

Following the examination with a stethoscope, the doctor concludes: the patient has been suffering from a prolonged, relatively frequent cough, at times productive and bothering them during the night. etc

Patient story

Patient a male 45 years old. Comes for a regular visit. Patient complains of severe, productive coughing, fatigue. Niko, 45 years old, had a light influenza that lasted about two weeks.

What is the cause of acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis can be caused by viruses, such as influenza, para-influenza or adenoviruses and bacteria such as pneumococcus, etc.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis in adults?

Symptoms of bronchitis in adults are coughing, sub-febrile fever, secretions, fatigue, etc.

What do you do when you have bronchitis?

When the aforementioned symptoms, the coughing and the fever persist, the patient must refer to a physician for a visit.

Why does it hurt my lungs when I cough?

While coughing, the chest and stomach muscles are involved in the process and an exhausting cough during the night or day, causes the muscles to feel sore and hurt.

What is dry cough and what is the difference between dry and productive cough?

Dry coughing is a response of the upper respiratory tract to unrest in its mucosal lining as a result of inflammation. Dry coughing could be spastic or non-spastic.

What can I do to relieve a cough?

When coughing is dry, use an anti-histamine. If prolonged, visit a physician. When coughing is productive, use a mucolytic. If prolonged, visit a physician.

When do I need to see a doctor if I suspect acute bronchitis?

If coughing and fever persist for longer 3-4 days, and the aforementioned medication has not been utile, then one must visit the doctor.

When does my child need to see a doctor if I suspect acute bronchitis?

The symptoms of bronchitis in children are more visible than in adults; fever and coughing are more exhaustive, the patient becomes pale and perspires, has reddened eyes and sometimes, lips.

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