American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What duration of cough is indicative of acute bronchitis?

1. Less than 3 days

2. Between 3 days and 5 days

3. More than 5 days to 3 weeks

4. Greater than 3 weeks

The correct answer is: More than 5 days to 3 weeks

The duration of cough that is indicative of acute bronchitis is typically more than 5 days to 3 weeks. Acute bronchitis often occurs following a viral upper respiratory infection and is characterized by a cough that can persist beyond the initial illness. Generally, the cough associated with acute bronchitis will last at least several days, often between 5 days to 3 weeks, due to the irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Other durations such as less than 3 days or between 3 days and 5 days are more typical of a simple upper respiratory tract infection or may not adequately reflect the pattern of cough associated with acute bronchitis. A cough lasting greater than 3 weeks usually suggests a chronic process or other underlying conditions rather than acute bronchitis, which is typically self-limiting within the 3-week timeframe. Thus, recognizing the timeframe of symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.