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phlegm, such as shortness of breath and
wheezing. Diagnosis is by clinical examination and sometimes
microbiological examination of the phlegm.
Cause/Etiology
Acute bronchitis can be caused by contagious pathogens. In about half of
instances of acute bronchitis a bacterial or viral pathogen is
identified. Typical viruses include respiratory syncytial virus,
rhinovirus, influenza, and others.
Acute bronchitis can
also result from breathing irritating fumes, such as those of
tobacco/marijuana smoke, or breathing polluted air (from unwashed bed
linens for example).
Signs and symptoms
Bronchitis may be indicated by an
expectorating cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea) and wheezing.
Occasionally chest pains, fever, and fatigue or malaise may also occur.
Additionally, Bronchitis caused by Adenoviridae may cause systemic and
gastrointestinal symptoms as well. However the coughs due to bronchitis
can continue for up to three weeks or more even after all other symptoms
have subsided. |
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