Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically caused by viral infections, but can also result from bacterial infections or irritants such as smoke. Key clinical points include: 1) It often follows a cold or respiratory infection; 2) Symptoms include cough, mucus production, wheezing, and chest discomfort; 3) Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history and physical examination; 4) It is usually self-limiting, with most patients recovering within a few weeks. Etiologically, acute bronchitis is predominantly viral, with rhinovirus and influenza being common pathogens. Pathophysiologically, the inflammation leads to increased mucus production and airway obstruction. Clinically, patients present with a persistent cough, which may be productive, and may experience fatigue and mild fever. Typical use cases for the diagnosis code include outpatient visits for patients presenting with acute cough and respiratory symptoms without chronic lung disease.