Overview
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. It can be acute which is temporary or chronic or permanent where the effects on the structure of the respiratory tract have changed due to prolonged inflammation.Signs and Symptoms
Cough with/without phlegm (sputum), Fever (in acute bronchitis), Chest pain/discomfort, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Widened chestCommon Causes
Infection by viruses/bacteria/fungus (for acute or exacerbation of chronic bronchitis), Smoking, Alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency, Air pollutionRisk Factors
Infection by viruses/bacteria/fungus (for acute or exacerbation of chronic bronchitis) Smoking, Alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency, Air pollutionInvestigation Techniques
Full blood count, Sputum culture, Serum alpha-1 anti-trypsin level, Spirometry, Arterial Blood GasTreatment and Prevention
Antibiotics (for acute and exacerbation of chronic bronchitis) Inhalers, Steroids therapy (for exacerbation of chronic bronchitis), Pulmonary rehabilitation exercise, Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, Oxygen therapy, Smoking cessation
