Bronchitis physical examination: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
'''Bronchitis''' is an [[inflammation]] of the [[bronchus|bronchi]] (medium-size airways) in the [[lung]]s. ''[[Acute bronchitis]]'' is usually caused by [[virus]]es or [[bacteria]] and may present as cough with sputum that last several days or weeks (10 days). Other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sore throat can also be found. '''Chronic bronchitis''' is not necessarily caused by infection and is generally part of a syndrome called [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD); it is defined clinically as a persistent [[cough]] that produces [[sputum]] (phlegm) and mucus, for at least three months in two consecutive years. In late stages, the disease may present with blue discoloration of body ([[cyanosis]]) and difficulty in breathing ([[dyspnea]]).
==Diagnosis==
A [[physical examination]] will often reveal decreased intensity of breath sounds, wheeze (rhonchi) and prolonged [[Exhalation|expiration]].  Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.
A [[physical examination]] will often reveal decreased intensity of breath sounds, wheeze (rhonchi) and prolonged [[Exhalation|expiration]].  Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.
 
==Physical examination==
 
The physical examination findings in acute bronchitis can be:  
The physical examination findings in acute bronchitis can be:  
===General physical examination===
===General physical examination===


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* Bullous myringitis  
* Bullous myringitis  
===Oropharyngeal examination===
===Oropharyngeal examination===


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* Lymphadenopathy
* Lymphadenopathy
===Pulmonary system===
===Pulmonary system===


Revision as of 22:29, 27 February 2012

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Bronchitis Main page

Patient Information

Overview

Causes

Classification

Acute bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis

Differential Diagnosis

Overview

A physical examination will often reveal decreased intensity of breath sounds, wheeze (rhonchi) and prolonged expiration. Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.

Physical examination

The physical examination findings in acute bronchitis can be:

General physical examination

  • Clubbing on the digits
  • Peripheral cyanosis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Bullous myringitis

Oropharyngeal examination

  • Pharyngeal erythema
  • Rhinorrhea
  • Lymphadenopathy

Pulmonary system

  • Use of accessory muscles suggesting labored breathing.
  • Rhonchi, and wheezes that change in location and intensity after a deep and productive cough.
  • Presence of inspiratory stridor indicate obstruction of a major bronchi or the trachea.

Cardiovascular examination

  • Sustained heave felt along the left sternal border, suggests right ventricular hypertrophy secondary to chronic bronchitis.

References


Template:WikiDoc Sources

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