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Bronchitis is usually categorized as either acute or chronic,
based on specific diagnostic criteria. However, when symptom
etiology is unclear, bronchitis becomes a catch-all diagnosis.1
Chronic cough, a key symptom of bronchitis, is also associated
with2,3:
-
Asthma
-
Postnasal drip (due to non-allergic rhinitis, allergic
rhinitis, or sinusitis)
-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A specific form of asthma called cough-variant asthma has
been documented as the leading cause of chronic cough in children.4 Research
indicates that atopy may play a role in this form of asthma.5 Whatever
the cause, chronic cough is best managed by specific therapy
to treat the underlying disease.2-4
Wheezing is another symptom shared by asthma and bronchitis.
In children, atopy is the most important risk factor for wheezing,
as well as for diminished lung function and asthma.6 To
help clinicians determine which wheezers might develop asthma,
the authors of the landmark Tucson Children's Respiratory
Study devised the Asthma Predictive Index.7 In
the index, asthma is more probable in children who've had recurrent
episodes of wheezing during the previous year, along with risk
factors such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis. For the Prevention of Early Asthma in Kids Study, the index was modified to include allergic sensitization to aeroallergens and foods.8
Bronchitis facts
and figures
Bronchitis is fairly common in both forms,
according to these statistics:
-
Approximately 12 million cases of acute bronchitis
occur every year.9 It
is common throughout the world, and is one of the top 5
reasons for childhood physician visits.
-
More than
8.5 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis
every year.10 Prevalence
is highest in those more than 45 years old. Twice as many
women develop chronic bronchitis than men.
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