Acute Bronchitis

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Common and self limiting LRTI infection result of inflammation of the trachea and major bronchi and therefore associated with oedematous large airways and production of sputum.

Question 2

Risk factors

Answer 2

Viral or atypical bacteria exposure,
Cigarette smoking,
Household pollution exposure
History of bronchiectasis, CF, CHF and asthma

Question 3

Aetiology

Answer 3

Viral - rhinovirus
Bacterial - mycoplasma pneumoniae

Question 4

Signs and symptoms

Answer 4

• Acute illness < 21 days
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Rhinorrhoea
• Wheeze
• Low-grade fever

Question 5

Diagnosis

Answer 5

Clinical diagnosis
CXR (rule out pneumonia)
CRP (>100 mg/L requires immeadiate ABx)

Question 6

Treatment

Answer 6

• Analgesia
• Good fluid intake
• Consider Abx therapy in patients
  = systemically unwell
  = pre-existing co-morbidities
  = have CRP 20-100 (offer delayed prescription), CRP >100mg/L (offer immediate antibiotics)
• FIRST LINE ABX: DOXYCYCLINE
• Second line: Amoxicillin in children or pregnant women