Acute bronchitis and pneumonia in adults aged 18 years and older clinical course and prevention within the WHO framework

Acute cough is a common reason for seeking care, yet the diagnostic label alone does not describe the risk of deterioration. Acute bronchitis primarily involves the airways, whereas pneumonia involves infection of the lung parenchyma. Their symptoms overlap, and cough, sputum and malaise can occur in either condition. The initial task is therefore to identify serious illness and determine whether pneumonia or another clinically important process is present [1,2].