Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Acute bronchitis pathophysiology
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The pathologic process starts with the inoculation of tracheobranchial epithelium with invading organism, which leads to inflammation, thickening and increased mucus production.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Pathogenesis
- The causative agent is transmitted through the large and medium size airway tracts.[1]
- Following transmission, the agent inoculates the tracheobronchial epithelium.
- This process leads to inflammation, thickening, and increased mucus production in the airways compared to normal bronchi as shown below:
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Normal Bronchi -
Inflamed Bronchi
Microscopy
- On microscopic analysis, epithelial-cell desquamation and denuding of the airway to the level of the basement membrane, in association with the presence of a lymphocytic cellular infiltrate, have been demonstrated.[2]
References
References
- ↑ Gonzales R, Sande MA (2000). “Uncomplicated acute bronchitis”. Ann. Intern. Med. 133 (12): 981–91. PMID 11119400.
- ↑ WALSH JJ, DIETLEIN LF, LOW FN, BURCH GE, MOGABGAB WJ (1961). “Bronchotracheal response in human influenza. Type A, Asian strain, as studied by light and electron microscopic examination of bronchoscopic biopsies”. Arch. Intern. Med. 108: 376–88. PMID 13782910.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]