This review describes the pathophysiology of the condition and provides a practical approach to the evaluation and treatment of adults with uncomplicated acute bronchitis.
Respiratory viruses appear to cause the large majority of cases of uncomplicated acute bronchitis.
No clinical features distinguish pertussis from nonpertussis infection in adults who were immunized against pertussis as children. Transient bronchial hyperresponsiveness appears to be the predominant mechanism of the bothersome cough of acute bronchitis. Ruling out pneumonia is the primary objective in evaluating adults with acute cough illness in whom comorbid conditions and occult asthma are absent or unlikely. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials do not support routine antibiotic treatment of uncomplicated acute bronchitis. Intervention studies suggest that antibiotic treatment of acute bronchitis can be reduced by using a combination of patient and physician education.