Acute bronchitis

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

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.