Does bronchitis cause fever

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Does Bronchitis Cause Fever?

Understanding Bronchitis: Inflammation and Symptoms

Bronchitis is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that transport air to the lungs. This condition typically results in a persistent cough that often produces mucus. Other common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and a low-grade fever.

Fever in Bronchitis: A Common Symptom

Fever is a recognized symptom of bronchitis, particularly in its acute form. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viral infections such as rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and influenza, but it can also be triggered by bacterial infections like Mycoplasma pneumonia, Chlamydophila pneumonia, Bordetella pertussis, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenzae. The presence of a low-grade fever is often associated with the body's immune response to these infections.

Fever and Severity in Bronchiolitis

While bronchitis and bronchiolitis are distinct conditions, they share similarities in their impact on the respiratory system. A study on bronchiolitis, which primarily affects infants, found that fever is associated with a more severe clinical course. Infants with fever had longer hospital stays and more severe symptoms compared to those without fever. Additionally, radiological abnormalities were more common in febrile infants. This suggests that fever can be an indicator of the severity of respiratory infections, including bronchitis.

Conclusion

In summary, bronchitis can indeed cause fever, particularly in its acute form. Fever is a common symptom resulting from the body's response to viral or bacterial infections that cause bronchitis. Moreover, the presence of fever in respiratory conditions like bronchiolitis indicates a more severe clinical course, which may also be applicable to bronchitis. Monitoring body temperature is crucial in managing and understanding the severity of bronchitis.