Both acute bronchitis and acute COPD exacerbations are commonly triggered by lower respiratory tract infections. 12 million outpatient visits occur annually for acute bronchitis. It is the most important major cause of work absenteeism and lost productivity. The average length of illness is about 7 to 14 days. Up to one-third of patients cough for more than a month.
Acute bronchitis is more common in cigarette smokers and during fall and winter months.
Moreover, spirometry took five weeks to return to normal. By comparison, COPD and asthma afflicts 1 in 5 Americans and is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with COPD and asthma have experienced the most rapid increase in mortality among leading causes of death, including cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Chronic bronchitis is the sixth most prevalent disease affecting 13 million Americans daily. Destruction of respiratory epithelium and diminished mucociliary function occurs.