What condition is characterized by cough, low-grade fever, and bilateral rhonchi in a patient with no secretions?

Acute bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes and typically presents with a cough that may be persistent but is often accompanied by other symptoms. In the case described, the patient exhibits a cough, low-grade fever, and bilateral rhonchi, which are abnormal lung sounds indicating airflow obstruction. The absence of secretions is also a key point; unlike conditions such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis can occur with minimal to no sputum production at the onset.

In acute bronchitis, patients may experience a dry or nonproductive cough initially, which can eventually lead to a more productive cough as the condition progresses. The low-grade fever suggests an inflammatory response consistent with bronchitis, while bilateral rhonchi can result from the narrowing of the airways due to inflammation.

This combination of symptoms—cough, low-grade fever, and the presence of rhonchi without significant secretions—aligns well with the typical clinical picture of acute bronchitis, making it the most appropriate answer in this scenario.