Making the Diagnosis
An acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) is said to have occurred if there has been an increase in frequency and severity of cough, along with larger amounts of sputum or increasing shortness of breath.
The bigger challenge lies in diagnosing the cause of an AECB so that the best treatment can be put in place. Therefore, it is important for the person with AECB to give their doctor a detailed description of the circumstances that may have led to the particular episode. For example, was there exposure to inhaled irritants such as secondhand smoke in the recent past? It is also important to describe any symptoms experienced to the doctor (e.g., fever, chills).
Your physician may investigate your AECB with a chest X-ray or a sputum culture. Treatment is often started before the test results confirm the condition.