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Bronchitis

Pathogenesis of Acute Bronchitis

Acute Bronchitis is an inflammatory reaction of the tracheobronchial tree usually caused by viral infection.

Usually a self-limiting illness that lasts 1-2 weeks, occurring mostly during the winter months. Environmental factors, such as cold and damp weather, pollution, cigarette smoke may worsen attacks.

It is usually caused by:

Bacteria that may rarely cause acute bronchitis include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR), Streptococcus pneumoniae, H influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, broncitis.

Diagnosis

Acute bronchitis usually presents as an acute productive cough, low-grade temperature.

Treatment

Although it is usually a self-limiting disease, antimicrobial treatment may be justified in some high risk patients to avoid disease progression. Drug selection should be based on coverage of M pneumoniae, S pneumoniae.

Erythromycin base (Eramycin) 250-500 mg PO qid [250, 500 mg].

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Septra DS) 160/800 mg PO bid.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin)