Mild peribronchial cuffing as seen in viral bronchitis A physical examination will often reveal decreased intensity of breath sounds, wheezing, rhonchi, and prolonged expiration. During examination for physicians rely on history and the presence of persistent or<unk>  onset of cough, followed by a URTI with no traces of pneumonia.<unk>  is typically a clinical diagnosis that relies on patients history and exam, and should be suspected in patients with an<unk>  onset of cough, which often follows a URTI without traces of pneumonia. Although there is no universally-accepted clinical definition for<unk> , there is a proposed set of practical criteria (Macfarlane, 2001) that include: * An<unk>  illness of less than three weeks. * Cough as the predominant symptom. * At least one other lower respiratory tract symptom, such as sputum production, wheezing, chest pain. * No alternative explanation for the symptoms. A variety of tests may be performed in people presenting with cough and shortness of breath: * A chest X-ray is useful to exclude pneumonia which is more common in those with a fever, fast heart rate, fast respiratory rate, or who are old. * A sputum sample showing neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells) and culture showing that has pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus species. * A blood test would indicate inflammation (as indicated by a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein). Decreased breath sounds, crackles, wheezing, and rhonchi that clears with coughs may be heard in the chest. Dullness to percussion and pleural rub suggest disease extension beyond the bronchi such as seen with pneumonia. Paroxysms of cough followed by inspiratory whoop and vomiting suggests pertussis.
Acute bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Bronchitis kettle
Bronchiectasis
Dust pneumonia
Bronchiolitis
Atypical pneumonia
Asthma