Acute bronchitis merck manual

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms are a cough that may or may not produce mucus (sputum). The diagnosis is based primarily on symptoms. Treatments, such as drugs to reduce fever and cough, may be used to make the person more comfortable until the episode ends. Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the windpipe (trachea) and the airways that branch off the trachea (bronchi) caused by infection. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms are a cough that may or may not produce mucus (sputum). Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree, commonly following an upper respiratory infection that occurs in patients without chronic lung disorders The cause is almost always a viral infection. The pathogen is rarely identified. The most common symptom is cough, with or without fever, and possibly sputum production.

Patients having an asthma exacerbation are instructed to self-administer 2 to 4 puffs of inhaled albuterol or a similar short-acting beta-2 agonist up to 3 times spaced 20 minutes apart for an acute exacerbation and to measure peak expiratory flow (PEF) if possible. When these short-acting rescue drugs are effective (symptoms are relieved and PEF returns to 80% of baseline), the acute. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial airways that may extend into the lungs. It is discussed in this chapter as part of tracheobronchitis Tracheobronchitis (Bronchitis) in Dogs Tracheobronchitis is a sudden or longterm inflammation of the trachea and bronchial airways; it may also extend into the lungs. It often occurs in dogs already affected by respiratory disease. Acute bronchitis in otherwise healthy patients is a major cause of antibiotic overuse. Nearly all patients require only symptomatic treatment, such as acetaminophen and hydration. Evidence supporting efficacy of routine use of other symptomatic treatments, such as antitussives, mucolytics, and bronchodilators, is www.doorway.russives should be considered only if the cough is interfering with sleep.

The acute stage of bronchitis passes in 2 to 3 days; the cough, however, may persist for several weeks. Severe bronchitis and pneumonia are difficult to tell apart; in fact, bronchitis often extends from the bronchial tubes into the lung cells and results in pneumonia. Acute Bronchitis - Pulmonary Disorders - Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Professional Version. The trusted provider of medical information since HOME. MEDICAL TOPICS. Common Health Topics. Cardiovascular Disorders Clinical Pharmacology Critical Care Medicine Dental Disorders Dermatologic Disorders Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders. If you have acute bronchitis, your symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks or more. At first, you may have cold or flu symptoms such as: Runny nose. Sore throat. Tiredness, chills, sore muscles. Slight fever (° to ° F or ° to 38° C) These symptoms usually last 3 to 5 days. Then you get a cough.