Acute Bronchitis and Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis in Children

Abstract

Acute bronchitis is the term used for un acute respiratory infection that is manifested predominantly by cough with or without phlegm production that last for up to 3 weeks and without evidence of pneumonia, the common cold, acute asthma, or an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection. The most commonly identified viruses are rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Bacteria are detected in 1-10% of cases of acute bronchitis. Atypical bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis, are rare causes of acute bronchitis [1,2].İt is important in patients with acute cough and sputum production suggestive of acute bronchitis to rule out pneumonia as the cause of cough. Pneumonia should be suspected in patients with tachypnea, tachycardia, dyspnea, or lung findings suggestive of pneumonia, and radiography is warranted.