How is it Diagnosed?
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually due to viral infections.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the sudden onset of a cough (often with mucus
production), wheezing, low-grade fever, and chest discomfort. It typically follows an
upper respiratory tract infection and lasts less than three weeks.
A thorough medical history and physical examination are the main diagnostic tools. Key
features include a productive or dry cough that persists beyond five days, with or
without wheezing. Auscultation may reveal rhonchi or coarse breath sounds, which can
clear with coughing.
Chest X-ray is not routinely required but may be used to rule out pneumonia if the
patient has high fever, signs of consolidation, or abnormal lung examination findings.
Importantly, distinguishing bronchitis from pneumonia is critical, especially in elderly or
immunocompromised patients.
Laboratory tests like CBC or sputum analysis are rarely necessary unless a bacterial
infection is suspected. Pulse oximetry may be used in cases presenting with respiratory
distress or underlying lung disease.
No specific viral testing is usually performed unless the patient is severely ill or
hospitalized. Acute bronchitis is primarily viral, so antibiotics are generally not indicated
unless bacterial superinfection is strongly suspected.