Bronchitis - Uncomplicated Acute Overview

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Bronchitis - Uncomplicated Acute Overview

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:

Bronchitis-Uncomplicated1

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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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  3. European Respiratory Society. ERS Task Force Report. Guidelines for management of adult community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections. Eur Respir J. 1998 Apr;11(4):986-991. PMID: 9623709
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  11. Macfarlane J, Holmes W, Gard P, et al. Reducing antibiotic use for acute bronchitis in primary care: blinded, randomised controlled trial of patient information leaflet. BMJ. 2002 Jan;324(7329):91-94. PMID: 11786454
  12. Massie RJ, Altunaji S, Kukurozovic R, et al. Pertussis: adults as a source in healthcare settings [letters]. Med J Aust. 2003 Feb;178(4):191. PMID: 12580755
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
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