The Effect of Acute Bronchitis on Blood Pressure

Abstract

Background: Acute bronchitis is one of the top 10 conditions for which patients seek medical care. Acute
bronchitis is a clinical term implying a self-limited inflammation of the large airways of the lung. A possible
link between inflammation and elevated blood pressure has been suggested by several cross-sectional and
longitudinal studies.
Objective: To assess the effect of acute bronchitis on the blood pressure.
Patients and Methods: The cross sectional study was carried out in in Baghdad. 100 patients with acute
bronchitis, their age group of 17-76 years were included in the study. Blood pressures (systolic and diastolic)
for the patients were taken in sitting position on the right arm during the attack and after improvement (five
to seven days later).
Results: 100 patients with acute bronchitis were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 45.51±15.46. Female
were 54 (54%), and 46 (46%) were male. There was 42 (42%) have history of hypertension. Only 15 patients
(15%) have history of smoking. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) during attack was normal in 58 (58%), and
high in 42 (42%). MAP after improvement was normal in 84 (84%), and 16 (16%) remain high. About
clinical features, 100% have cough, 71% sputum, 36% dyspnea, and 6% hemoptysis. Systolic, diastolic
blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure during the attack were higher than after improvement with highly
statistically significance (P value < 0.001). There was no statistically significant effect for the history of
hypertension and smoking on blood pressure during the attack and after improvement (p value 0.441, 0.309
respectively).
Conclusion: Systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure during the attack of acute
bronchitis were higher than after improvement.