Bronchitis on X-ray and CT: Is It Visible and How Is It Diagnosed

Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi, the tubes running from the trachea to the alveoli. Unlike pneumonia, it does not affect the alveoli. The diagnosis is made by a doctor based on symptoms and examinations.

How bronchitis is diagnosed

Acute bronchitis is defined as an illness with cough and sputum that lasts no more than 3 weeks and resolves on its own. The doctor takes a history, asks about symptoms and family history. Blood tests, pulmonary function testing, and chest X-ray or CT are used. Acute bronchitis is diagnosed when there are no infiltrates on X-ray images. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include cough with sputum, chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, and high temperature. In chronic bronchitis, the cough is often frequent and with a large amount of sputum, wheezing appears, shortness of breath on physical exertion, and a feeling of chest tightness. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by viruses; bacteria are the cause much less often. Cough and sputum in acute bronchitis usually last from 1 to 3 weeks and more often resolve on their own. Sputum may be clear, white, yellowish-gray, or green, rarely with streaks of blood. Chronic bronchitis is usually associated with prolonged exposure to irritants: smoking, polluted air, chemical vapors, and dust in the workplace. In most people, symptoms of chronic bronchitis first appear at age 40 and older. In chronic bronchitis, the term COPD replaces the concept of "chronic bronchitis."

Bronchitis on X-ray: what is visible on the image

Chest X-ray is included in the list of examinations for chronic bronchitis. In acute bronchitis, its task is to rule out pneumonia: there should be no infiltrates on the images.

Bronchitis on lung CT

CT is a cross-sectional imaging study used in chronic bronchitis as part of COPD. Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD with inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes and accumulation of sputum, which impairs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. CT and X-ray are used together with functional tests and blood tests.

Differential diagnosis: how bronchitis differs from pneumonia

The key difference is the level of inflammation. Bronchitis does not affect the alveoli; pneumonia does. In acute bronchitis, there are no infiltrates on X-ray. Shortness of breath is more characteristic of chronic bronchitis. Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and tachycardia in acute bronchitis may indicate possible pneumonia. A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks requires a search for other diagnoses.

• Cough with sputum is the leading symptom of bronchitis.
• X-ray and CT help rule out pneumonia.
• CT and X-ray are part of the examination for chronic bronchitis.
• A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks is a reason to look for other diagnoses.
• Shortness of breath, tachypnea, and tachycardia in acute bronchitis raise concern for pneumonia.

The presence of bronchitis alone is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if the person is gasping for air, cannot speak, the lips or skin become very pale, blue, or gray, or sudden confusion appears.

This material is for reference: the interpretation of the image and the diagnosis are determined by the doctor, not by the article.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer