Contents
OVERVIEW
Acute uncomplicated bronchitis is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchi. Patients usually presents w/ cough lasting for more than 5 days w/c may be associated w/ sputum production
Other symptoms of acute bronchitis include:
- Sore throat
- Rhinorrhea
- Hoarseness
- Dyspnea
- Fatigue
Refer to Symptoms for more information.
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Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is based on patient history & clinical presentation
- Studies such as sputum analysis & culture, chest radiograph, pulmonary function tests, etc are not routinely requested unless to rule out other pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia
Refer to Diagnosis for more information.
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Treatment
Routine treatment of uncomplicated acute bronchitis w/ antibiotics is not recommended, regardless of cough duration
Options for symptomatic therapy include:
- Analgesics & Antipyretics
- Bronchodilator: Beta2-agonist (inhaled)
- Cough & Cold Preparation
Refer to Treatment for more information.
Below is the overview of disease management of Bronchitis - Uncomplicated Acute:

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Follow-Up
- Routine follow-up is not usually necessary
- Consider alternate diagnoses, if symptoms worsen
- Further investigation is recommended if:
- Symptoms recur >3x/yr
- If symptoms persist for >1 mth
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Bronchitis - Uncomplicated Acute Symptomsâ–¶
Version: 3 Sep 2014
Guideline References:
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- McCormack JG, Spearing NM, Horvath RL. Pertussis: adults as a source in healthcare settings [in reply to letters]. Med J Aust. 2003 Feb;178(4):191
- Ministry of Health Singapore. Clinical Practice Guidelines: use of antibiotics in adults. MOH (Singapore). http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home.html. Jan 2002
- National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC). Guideline summary: Management of uncomplicated acute bronchitis in adults. National Guideline Clearinghouse. http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=38688&search=Bronchodilator+. Sep 2012. Accessed 10 Oct 2013
- Ressel G; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine; American Academy of Family Physicians; Infectious Diseases Society of America. Principles of appropriate antibiotic use: part V. Acute bronchitis. Am Fam Physician. 2001 Sep;64(6):1098-1100. PMID: 11578027
- Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Community management of lower respiratory tract infections in adults: a national clinical guideline. SIGN. http://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign59.pdf. 2002
- Snow V, Mottur-Pilson C, Gonzales R; American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine; Centers for Disease Control; Infectious Diseases Society of America. Principles of appropriate antibiotic use for treatment of acute bronchitis in adults. Ann Intern Med. 2001 Mar;134(6):518-520. PMID: 11255531
- Spearing NM, Horvath RL, McCormack JG. Pertussis: adults as a source in healthcare settings. Med J Aust. 2002 Nov;177(10):568-569. PMID: 12429009
- Wenzel RP, Fowler AA. Acute bronchitis. N Engl J Med. 2006 Nov;355(20):2125-2130. PMID: 17108344