Acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, is short-term bronchitis – inflammation of

the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) of the lungs.[2][1] The most common
symptom is a cough.[1] Other symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing,
shortness of breath, fever, and chest discomfort.[2] The infection may last from a few to
ten days.[2] The cough may persist for several weeks afterward with the total duration
of symptoms usually around three weeks.[2][1] Some have symptoms for up to six
weeks.[3] In more than 90% of cases, the cause is a viral infection.[1] These viruses
may be spread through the air when people cough or by direct contact.[2] Risk factors
include exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, and other air pollution.[2] A small number of
cases are due to high levels of air pollution or bacteria such as Mycoplasma
pneumoniae or Bordetella pertussis.[1][9] Diagnosis is typically based on a person's
signs and symptom.[4] The color of the sputum does not indicate if the infection is viral
or bacterial.[1] Determining the underlying organism is typically not needed.[1] Other
causes of similar symptoms include asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis,
and COPD.[1][7] A chest X-ray may be useful to detect pneumonia.[1] Prevention is by
not smoking and avoiding other lung irritants.[5] Frequent hand washing and flu
vaccination may also be protective.[5][10] Treatment of acute bronchitis typically
involves rest, paracetamol (acetaminophen), and NSAIDs to help with the fever.[3][6]
Cough medicine has little support for its use and is not recommended in children less
than six years of age.[1][11] Antibiotics should generally not be used.[12] An exception
is when acute bronchitis is due to pertussis.[1] Tentative evidence supports honey and
pelargonium to help with symptoms.[1] Acute bronchitis is one of the most common
diseases.[3][13] About 5% of adults are affected and about 6% of children have at least
one episode a year.[7][8] It occurs more often in the winter.[7] More than 10 million
people in the United States visit a doctor each year for this condition with approximately
70% receiving antibiotics, most of which are not needed.[3] There are efforts to
decrease the use of antibiotics in acute bronchitis.[13] The primary symptom is cough
with sputum that may be purulent. The illness may also cause shortness of breath or
wheezing. Upper respiratory tract infections often precede acute bronchitis, with
overlapping symptoms including headache, nasal congestion, sore throat. Fever and
other systemic symptoms are rare in acute bronchitis; their presence raises suspicion
for influenza or pneumonia.[14][15] Cause Acute bronchitis can be caused by
contagious pathogens, most commonly viruses. Typical viruses include respiratory
syncytial virus, rhinovirus, influenza, and others. Bacteria are uncommon pathogens but
may include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella
pertussis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.[16] Damage caused
by irritation of the airways leads to inflammation and leads to neutrophils infiltrating the
lung tissue. Mucosal hypersecretion is promoted by a substance released by
neutrophils. Further obstruction to the airways is caused by more goblet cells in the
small airways. This is typical of chronic bronchitis. Although infection is not the reason
or cause of chronic bronchitis, it is seen to aid in sustaining the bronchitis.

**Script for Acute Bronchitis Presentation**

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**[Introduction]**

**Host:**
Welcome, everyone. Today’s topic is acute bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation
of the breathing tubes, known as the bronchi. This inflammation leads to increased
mucus production and other changes. There are several types of bronchitis, but the
most common are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is often referred to as a chest
cold.

**[Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis]**

**Host:**
Let’s discuss the symptoms of acute bronchitis. While each person may experience
symptoms differently, the most common symptoms include:

- Back and muscle pain

- Cough: initially dry and non-productive, but later producing a lot of mucus
- Chest soreness
- Chills
- Feeling tired and achy
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Slight fever
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing

**[Causes of Acute Bronchitis]**

**Host:**
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses responsible
for colds and flu, such as influenza. Since antibiotics don’t kill viruses, they are not
useful in most cases of bronchitis. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is most
commonly caused by cigarette smoking. Air pollution, dust, and toxic gases in the
environment or workplace can also contribute to the condition.

**[Diagnosis of Acute Bronchitis]**

**Host:**
Healthcare providers can often diagnose acute bronchitis through a medical history
and physical exam. However, tests may be done to rule out other diseases such as
pneumonia or asthma. These tests may include:

- Pulse oximetry
- Arterial blood gas
- Cultures of nasal discharge and sputum
- Pulmonary function tests
- Chest x-ray

**[Treatment for Acute Bronchitis]**

**Host:**
The symptoms of acute bronchitis often resolve on their own, and lung function
usually returns to normal. Since most infections are viral, antibiotics are generally
not needed. Antibiotics would only be necessary if the condition progresses to
pneumonia. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and may include:

- Avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke

- Using cough medicine
- Humidifying the air
- Increasing fluid intake
- Taking pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding antihistamines, as they can dry up secretions and worsen the cough

**[Conclusion]**

**Host:**
In conclusion, understanding acute bronchitis and its treatment is crucial for
managing the condition effectively. Remember, while acute bronchitis can be
uncomfortable, it usually resolves on its own with proper care and symptom
management. If you suspect you have bronchitis, consult with a healthcare provider
for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Thank you for joining us
today.

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