Acute bronchitis is a common condition in clinical practice and is characterized by cough for at least 5 days. Symptoms result from swelling and inflammation of the lower respiratory tract and are most frequently related to a viral infection or upper respiratory tract infection. The cough may be nonproductive or productive with other symptoms including nasal congestion, chest wall tenderness, sore throat, wheezing, and rarely fever. Symptoms may persist up to 3 weeks. Incidence is highest in colder seasons. In about 1% of cases, acute bronchitis may be associated with Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough). Other infrequent bacterial causes are Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Management is mainly supportive and may involve treating symptoms with over-the-counter humidifiers and cold medications. Since acute bronchitis is primarily caused by viral infection, antibiotics are generally unnecessary and ineffective. It is important that patients remain hydrated. Patients with other conditions, such as asthma, may require inhalers.

Related topic: Chronic bronchitis