lung and airway disorders
Acute Bronchitis
Introduction
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). The diagnosis is based primarily on symptoms. Treatments, such as medications to reduce fever and cough, may be used to make the person more comfortable until the episode ends. Antibiotics are rarely needed. Bronchitis can be either Acute Chronic Acute bronchitis usually lasts days to a few weeks. Bronchitis that lasts for months or years is usually classified as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) . When people say "bronchitis," they usually mean acute bronchitis, and only acute bronchitis is discussed here. When people with chronic bronchitis have decreased airflow from the lungs when they breathe out (airflow obstruction), they are considered to have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (COPD). If people who have COPD or other chronic lung disorders such as 