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Acute bronchitis

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Definition:

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the main airways to the lungs (the bronchi) that usually lasts for a brief period of time.

It is not the same as chronic bronchitis , which often persists for a longer period of time.

Alternative Names:

Bronchitis - acute

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acute bronchitis is one of the most common medical conditions seen in a doctor's office. It is mainly caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system. There are many different respiratory viruses that can do this, including the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.

You have a higher risk for getting bronchitis if you've had a recent illness or viral respiratory infection (which reduce your ability to fight off infections), or if you have chronic lung problems such as asthma , cystic fibrosis , or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . You are also at higher risk for bronchitis if you smoke.

References:

Knutson D. Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bronchitis. Am Fam Physician . May 2002; 65(10): 2039-44.

Aagaard E. Management of Acute Bronchitis in Healthy Adults. Infect Dis Clin North Am . Dec 2004; 18(4): 919-37.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Cough Illness/Bronchitis. In: Pickering LK, ed. Red Book: 2003 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases . 26th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2003:696.

Braman SS. Chronic Cough Due to Chronic Bronchitis: ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest . January 2006;129(1 Suppl):104S-115S.

• Review Date: 5/20/2007
• Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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