It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Hyperreactive Airway Disease, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Bronchitis.
Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve on their own. Treatment is limited to rest and maintain good fluid intake. As most cases of bronchitis are viral, antibiotics are not required. If the cause is bacterial though, antibiotics are prescribed. Bronchitis can have common cold symptoms, so it is difficult to diagnose during the first few days of infection. Chest Xray can eliminate pneumonia or other conditions that may be causing the cough. Sputum tests can check for bacteria in order to decide whether antibiotics are necessary. Pulmonary function tests are performed to check lung function and capacity.