Bronchitis history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
===Acute | ===Acute Bronchitis=== | ||
*[[Cough]] with [[sputum]] production (clear, yellow, green, or even blood-tinged) is the (commonest) symptom. Initially, it may be difficult to distinguish a acute bronchitis from upper respiratory tract infection. However, a cough lasting > 5 days indicates a diagnosis of Bronchitis. Cough usually last for 1-2 weeks in acute bronchitis. Even after [[acute bronchitis]] has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging [[cough]] that lingers for several weeks. A yellow-green sputum production is more likely to be a [[bacterial infection]]. | *[[Cough]] with [[sputum]] production (clear, yellow, green, or even blood-tinged) is the (commonest) symptom. Initially, it may be difficult to distinguish a acute bronchitis from upper respiratory tract infection. However, a cough lasting > 5 days indicates a diagnosis of Bronchitis. Cough usually last for 1-2 weeks in acute bronchitis. Even after [[acute bronchitis]] has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging [[cough]] that lingers for several weeks. A yellow-green sputum production is more likely to be a [[bacterial infection]]. | ||
* [[Sore throat]], runny nose. | * [[Sore throat]], runny nose. | ||
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*Frequent [[respiratory]] [[infections]] (such as [[colds]] or the [[flu]]) | *Frequent [[respiratory]] [[infections]] (such as [[colds]] or the [[flu]]) | ||
===Additional | ===Additional Symptoms Based on Different Pathogens=== | ||
====Influenza virus, Adenovirus==== | ====Influenza virus, Adenovirus==== | ||
* Fever, chills, headache, myalgia | * Fever, chills, headache, myalgia | ||
====Parainfluenza | ====Parainfluenza Virus==== | ||
* Children may present with a hoarse, ringing cough and stridulous, difficult breathing | * Children may present with a hoarse, ringing cough and stridulous, difficult breathing | ||
* Common in autumn season | * Common in autumn season | ||
* Common cause of outbreak in nursing homes. | * Common cause of outbreak in nursing homes. | ||
====Respiratory | ====Respiratory Syncytial Virus==== | ||
* Common in winter and spring. | * Common in winter and spring. | ||
* family history of exposure to an infant with bronchiolitis is important. | * family history of exposure to an infant with bronchiolitis is important. | ||
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* Mild symptoms | * Mild symptoms | ||
====Atypical | ====Atypical Bacteria==== | ||
====Bordetella | ====Bordetella Pertusis==== | ||
* Commonly affects young adults | * Commonly affects young adults | ||
* Incubation 1-3 weeks | * Incubation 1-3 weeks | ||
* cough lasting > 2 weeks | * cough lasting > 2 weeks | ||
* Fever uncommon | * Fever uncommon | ||
====Mycoplasma | ====Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Chlamydiae Pneumonia==== | ||
* Subacute onset, 2-3 week (helps in differentiating from Influenza) | * Subacute onset, 2-3 week (helps in differentiating from Influenza) | ||
* Common in closed environment (military bases, schools, hostels) | * Common in closed environment (military bases, schools, hostels) | ||
===Chronic | ===Chronic Bronchitis=== | ||
* Cough with sputum expectoration for '''at least 3 months a year during a period of 2 consecutive years'''. The patient may give a history of seasonal worsening of cough (winters)followed by progression of cough from seasonal to perennial, increased frequency, duration and severity of symptoms. | * Cough with sputum expectoration for '''at least 3 months a year during a period of 2 consecutive years'''. The patient may give a history of seasonal worsening of cough (winters)followed by progression of cough from seasonal to perennial, increased frequency, duration and severity of symptoms. | ||
* Difficulty in breathing and blue discoloration of extremities can be seen in late stages of the disease. | * Difficulty in breathing and blue discoloration of extremities can be seen in late stages of the disease. | ||
Revision as of 13:52, 29 March 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Bronchitis Main page |
Overview
Bronchitis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Presence of cough without fever lasting more than 5 days and with normal vitals (no tachypnea or tachycardia) is suggestive of acute bronchitis. The presentation may vary according to the pathogen involved.
History
- Bronchitis is common in patients with a history of smoking, low socio-economic status, residing in industrial or heavy pollutant areas, and exposure to toxic substance. Thus, obtaining a personal and socio-economic history is very important.
- Bronchitis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Thus, past medical history to rule out asthma, and allergic history is important.
Symptoms
Acute Bronchitis
- Cough with sputum production (clear, yellow, green, or even blood-tinged) is the (commonest) symptom. Initially, it may be difficult to distinguish a acute bronchitis from upper respiratory tract infection. However, a cough lasting > 5 days indicates a diagnosis of Bronchitis. Cough usually last for 1-2 weeks in acute bronchitis. Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks. A yellow-green sputum production is more likely to be a bacterial infection.
- Sore throat, runny nose.
- Fatigue, muscle aches
- Fever -- may suggest pathogens like influenza or adenovirus as causative organisms
- Shortness of breath, worsened by exertion or mild activity
- Wheezing
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty in breathing and blue discoloration of extremities can be seen in late stages of the disease
Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
- Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
- Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen
- Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu)
Additional Symptoms Based on Different Pathogens
Influenza virus, Adenovirus
- Fever, chills, headache, myalgia
Parainfluenza Virus
- Children may present with a hoarse, ringing cough and stridulous, difficult breathing
- Common in autumn season
- Common cause of outbreak in nursing homes.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- Common in winter and spring.
- family history of exposure to an infant with bronchiolitis is important.
Rhinovirus
- Mild symptoms
Atypical Bacteria
Bordetella Pertusis
- Commonly affects young adults
- Incubation 1-3 weeks
- cough lasting > 2 weeks
- Fever uncommon
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Chlamydiae Pneumonia
- Subacute onset, 2-3 week (helps in differentiating from Influenza)
- Common in closed environment (military bases, schools, hostels)
Chronic Bronchitis
- Cough with sputum expectoration for at least 3 months a year during a period of 2 consecutive years. The patient may give a history of seasonal worsening of cough (winters)followed by progression of cough from seasonal to perennial, increased frequency, duration and severity of symptoms.
- Difficulty in breathing and blue discoloration of extremities can be seen in late stages of the disease.
- Shortness of breath, worsened by exertion or mild activity
- Wheezing
- Chest discomfort
References