Bronchitis: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnoses of acute bronchitis Respiratory System (J00-J99) Onset bronchial asthma Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small branches of the bronchial tree, called bronchioles) – infection with respiratory syncytial viruses (RS viruses), influenza viruses, or adenoviruses; disease peaks at 3-6 months of age Croup syndrome – acute inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) with swelling of the … Bronchitis: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Bronchitis: Secondary Diseases

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by chronic bronchitis: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Bronchial carcinoma – lung cancer Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – chronic pulmonary ventilation disorder. Pulmonary emphysema – hyperinflation of the lungs. Pneumonia – pneumonia Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Cor pulmonale – heart disease due to … Bronchitis: Secondary Diseases

Bronchitis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and throat Auscultation (listening) of the heart. Examination of the lungs Auscultation (listening) of the lungs [bds. midbreath rales (RG’s)/wet RG’s]. Bronchophony (checking … Bronchitis: Examination

Bronchitis: Test and Diagnosis

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification CRP (C-reactive protein); more appropriate is the determination of procalcitonin, which allows some differentiation of bacterial and viral infections. Note: The CRP rise is approximately 6-12 hours after the onset of an acute inflammatory … Bronchitis: Test and Diagnosis

Bronchitis: Drug Therapy

Acute bronchitis Therapeutic Objective Drug therapy for acute bronchitis is intended to prevent the spread of pathogens with far-reaching complications. Therapy recommendations In acute bronchitis, the causative agent is >90% viral. In uncomplicated acute bronchitis, antibiotic therapy is not required (only leads to a shortening of the duration of illness by less than one day). … Bronchitis: Drug Therapy

Bronchitis: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. X-ray of the chest (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes – if pneumonia (pneumonia), structural lung disease, chronic cough (duration > 8 weeks) or presence of warning signs (see below “Symptoms – complaints”) … Bronchitis: Diagnostic Tests

Bronchitis: Micronutrient Therapy

A deficiency symptom may indicate that there is an insufficient supply of vital nutrients (micronutrients). The complaint bronchitis indicates a deficiency of vital nutrients for: Vitamin A The above vital substance recommendations were created with the help of medical experts. All statements are supported by scientific studies with high levels of evidence. For a therapy … Bronchitis: Micronutrient Therapy

Bronchitis: Prevention

To prevent bronchitis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients. Consumption of stimulants Tobacco (smoking, passive smoking) Lack of hygiene in times of epidemic occurrence (clustered occurrence) of respiratory infections. Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings). Air pollutants: particulate matter, ozone, … Bronchitis: Prevention

Bronchitis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate bronchitis: Acute bronchitis Leading symptoms Initially painful nonproductive cough (= dry cough; irritating cough), later productive cough (= loosening of secretion/mucus). Sputum (sputum) – tough, glassy, later purulent-yellow [Sputum color has no predictive value for the diagnosis of bacterial bronchitis, it also does not allow differentiation between pneumonia … Bronchitis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Bronchitis: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of bronchitis. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any lung diseases in your family that are common? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession? Current medical history/systemic … Bronchitis: Medical History

Bronchitis: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) Acute bronchitis is a viral infection in more than 90% of cases. The disease is most commonly caused in children by RS viruses (5%), adenoviruses 5%), coxsackie viruses, and ECHO viruses, and in adults most commonly by rhino viruses (30-50%), coronaviruses (10-15%), influenza viruses (5-15%), and parainfluenza viruses (5%), as well … Bronchitis: Causes

Bronchitis: Therapy

General measures Learning special coughing techniques Unproductive cough (irritable cough) is experienced as a dry and agonizing cough. What to look for: Unproductive cough, that is, the irritation of the cough is treated with an antitussive (cough suppressant). Do not give free rein to the cough, but meet it with a tender cough. It works … Bronchitis: Therapy