Acute bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by an acute cough, with or without phlegm, and signs of lower respiratory tract infection in the absence of chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or an identified cause such as pneumonia or sinusitis.
Cough is the main and defining symptom of acute bronchitis. The primary diagnostic consideration in patients with suspected acute bronchitis is to exclude more serious causes of cough, such as asthma, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, or pneumonia.
Causes of Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is generally caused by a viral infection. Some viruses that are generally identified as causes of acute bronchitis are:
- Rhinovirus
- Enterovirus
- Influenza A and B
- Parainfluenza
- Coronavirus
- Human metapneumovirus
- Respiratory syncytial virus
Bacterial infections are also found in 1% of 10% of acute bronchitis cases (rare cases). Some bacteria that can cause acute bronchitis are:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae
- Bordetella pertusis
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis
- Cough
- There is sputum production
- Dyspnea
- Headache
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- There is a wheezing or rhonchi sound on auscultation which increases when coughing
The Role of Physiotherapy in Acute Bronchitis Cases
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of acute bronchitis, especially to help manage symptoms and speed recovery. The main goal of physiotherapy in cases of acute bonkitis is to keep the airway open and functioning normally. Some of the roles of physiotherapy in cases of acute bronchitis are as follows.
1. Postural drainage
Postural drainage is a method used to help expel sputum. The postural drainage technique utilizes gravity to help the process of expelling sputum. The patient will be positioned in this way within 10-15 minutes, depending on the position of the patient's sputum accumulation.
2. Manual chest therapy
Chest therapy is a technique to help mobilize secretions in the airways. Chest therapy consists of several techniques that use the hands, such as percussion, vibrating, and clapping
3. Effective coughing exercises
This exercise is intended to help the process of expelling sputum. Sometimes patients have difficulty expelling sputum that is stuck in their airways. Patients will be taught how to cough correctly and effectively to expel sputum.
4. Practice breathing techniques
One breathing technique that can be applied in cases of bronchitis is the Active Cycle Breathing Technique. This exercise, apart from increasing lung capacity, also helps in expelling sputum and strengthening respiratory muscles
5. Light physical exercise
Patients need light physical exercise to maintain their heart and lung capacity. The physiotherapist will provide several light exercise programs that the patient can carry out to prevent a decrease in heart and lung capacity and maintain the main function of the respiratory organs.
Also read: Tuberkulosis Paru – Penatalaksanaan Fisioterapi
Reference :
- Kinkade S, Long NA. Acute Bronchitis. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Oct 1;94(7):560-565. PMID: 27929206.
- Singh A, Avula A, Zahn E. Acute Bronchitis. [Updated 2023 Nov 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448067/
- Wark P. Bronchitis (acute). BMJ Clin Evid. 2015 Jul 17;2015:1508. PMID: 26186368; PMCID: PMC4505629.
- Lamberty Physio. 2024. Bronchitis, Pneumonia and Physiotherapy. diakses tanggal 6 Januari 2024 pada https://lambertiphysiotherapy.co.za/bronchitis-pneumonia-physiotherapy/#:~:text=The %20main%20aim%20of%20Physiotherapy,different%20segments%20of%20the%20lung.
