What is the cause of acute bronchitis?

Infectious Agents

Acute bronchitis can be caused by:

  1. Viruses, such as influenza, para-influenza or adenoviruses. Viruses can lower one’s immune response, and thus create leeway for saprophytic respiratory pathway bacteria to cause another infection.
  2. Bacteria such as pneumococcus, haemophilus influenza, streptococcus, staphylococcus, etc.
  3. Fungal infection, such as candida.

Physiochemical Factors

  1. Ammonium vapors, acetone, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc any other kind of industrial grade vapors.
  2. Allergens which could be present in one’s diet.

Other contributive factors

  1. Cold environments, hot air etc.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 24 Jan 2018
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi