Respiratory Disease

Acute Bronchitis

What is acute bronchitis?

Upper Respiratory Disorders

The upper respiratory tract includes the:

nose
nasal cavity
ethmoidal air cells
frontal sinuses
maxillary sinus
larynx
trachea

The upper respiratory tract move air to and from the lungs, and filter, moisten, and warm that air.

Upper respiratory infection (URI) includes any infectious-disease process that usually involves the respiratory system starting with the nose and ending just before the lungs. The infections could be caused by viruses or bacteria, and include conditions such as the common cold, influenza, sinus problems, minor sore throat, and so forth.

Sometimes, bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi) is called an upper respiratory infection. However, because the bronchi are found in the lungs, bronchitis is actually a lower respiratory infection or a lung condition.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the breathing tubes (airways) that are called bronchi, which causes increased production of mucus and other changes. Although there are several different types of bronchitis, the two most common are acute and chronic.

Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of mucus membranes of the bronchial tubes,

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses. It may also be caused by physical or chemical agents -- dusts, allergens, strong fumes -- and those from chemical cleaning compounds, or tobacco smoke. (Acute asthmatic bronchitis may happen as the result of an asthma attack, or it may be the cause of an asthma attack.)

Acute bronchitis is usually a mild, and self-limiting condition, with complete healing and return to function.

Acute bronchitis may follow the common cold or other viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. It may also occur in people with chronic sinusitis, allergies, or those with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. It can be serious in people with pulmonary or cardiac diseases. Pneumonia is a complication that can follow bronchitis.

What are the symptoms and signs of acute bronchitis?

The following are the most common symptoms for acute bronchitis, however, each person may have different symptoms.

runny nose
malase or lack of energy
chills
slight fever
back and muscle pain
sore throat
early - dry, non-productive cough
later - abundant mucus-filled cough

The symptoms of acute bronchitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.

This page was last updated on: January 18, 2008.

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