ABSTRACT
Cough is usually the presenting symptom of acute tracheobronchitis. The cough is often productive, and purulent sputum is not a reliable indicator of bacterial infection. In adults with pertussis, the cough is paroxysmal but lacks the whooping quality characteristic of childhood pertussis. Most patients with tracheobronchitis also have active or recent symp toms of upper respiratory infection, such as rhinorrhea, sore throat, hoarseness, and sinus congestion. Chest pain is common and typically related to severe coughing. The vital signs and chest exam are usually normal. Wheezes, rhonchi, and (rarely) crackles can be heard in some patients, but signs of consolidation are absent.
