ACUTE BRONCHITIS
Definition
Acute bronchitis, a prevalent respiratory infection, is
a significant medical concern, particularly among
adult patients. This condition involves the lower
respiratory tract, specifically targeting the bronchi,
the prominent air passages responsible for air
transport within the lungs. Acute bronchitis
manifests as an inflammation of these bronchi
without evidence of pneumonia and typically affects
individuals without underlying chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Acute bronchitis is
characterized by an acute onset of a persistent
cough, with or without sputum production. As a self-
limiting condition, it typically follows a benign
course, resolving spontaneously over 1 to 3 weeks.
Signs and Symptoms
Back and muscle pain, Cough, first dry (non-
productive), later, lot of mucus is produced
Chest soreness, Chills, Malaise, Feeling tired and
achy, Headache, Runny nose, Slight fever, Shortness
of breath, Sore throat, Watery eyes, Wheezing
Causes
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by infectious
agents such as bacteria or viruses. It may also be
caused by physical or chemical agents minus; dusts,
allergens, strong fumes, and those from chemical
cleaning compounds, or tobacco smoke. (Acute
asthmatic bronchitis may happen as the result of an
asthma attack, or it may be the cause of an asthma
attack.) In children, the most common cause of
bronchitis is a virus, although in children over 6 years
of age, it can be caused by bacteria. Acute bronchitis
is usually a mild condition.
Causes: Bacteria, Viruses, Chemical or
physical agents - dusts, allergens, strong fumes,
tobacco smoke
Prevention
• Clean your hands.
• Get recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
• Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Cough medicine
• Increased fluid intake
• Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol)
• Avoid antihistamines because they dry up the secretions
and can make the cough worse.
• Minimize exposure to allergens and pollutants, they are
essential in preventing the recurrence of acute bronchitis
and reducing the risk of complications.
• Run a humidifier. Moist air is less likely to irritate your lungs.
• Make sure you are up-to-date on flu and pneumonia
vaccines.
Laboratory
• Chest X-rays. This test makes images of internal tissues,
bones, and organs.
• Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small device that measures
the amount of oxygen in the blood. For this test, the
healthcare provider puts a small sensor (like a clip) on your
child's finger or toe. When the device is on, a small red light
can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless, and the
red light does not get hot.
• Pulmonary function tests. These are tests that help to
measure how well the lungs move air in and out.
• Sputum and nasal discharge samples. These tests can find
the germ causing an infection.
• Complete blood count (CBC). This test identifies signs of
infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count.
• Bronchoscopy. This test gives direct visualization of airways
through a thin tube, with possible fluid/tissue sampling.
Medical Management:
• Chest physiotherapy to mobilize secretions, if indicated.
• Hydration to liquefy secretions.
Pharmacologic Interventions:
• Inhaled bronchodilators to reduce bronchospasm and
promote sputum expectoration.
• A course of oral antibiotics such as a macrolide may be
instituted, but is controversial.
• Symptom management for fever and cough.
Nursing Interventions:
• Conduct respiratory assessment to monitor for changes in
respiratory status, such as increased cough, sputum
production, or changes in breath sounds.
• Encourage mobilization of secretion through ambulation,
coughing, and deep breathing.
• Ensure adequate fluid intake to liquefy secretions and
prevent dehydration caused by fever and tachypnea.
• Encourage rest, avoid bronchial irritants, and a good diet to
facilitate recovery.
• Instruct the patient to complete the full course of
prescribed antibiotics and explain the effect of meals on
drug absorption.
• Caution the patient on using over-the-counter cough
suppressants, antihistamines, and decongestants, which
may cause drying and retention of secretions. However,
cough preparations containing the mucolytic guaifenesin
may be appropriate.
• Advise the patient that a dry cough may persist after
bronchitis because of irritation of airways. Suggest avoiding
dry environments and using a humidifier at bedside.
Encourage smoking cessation.
• Teach the patient to recognize and immediately report early
signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis.
• Use a humidifier or steam. A hot shower can be great for
loosening mucus.
• Drink a lot of water. Eight to 12 glasses a day helps thin out
your mucus and makes it easier to cough it up.
• Encourage patient/caregiver to schedule follow-up
appointments to monitor progress, to adjust the care plan
as needed, and provide ongoing support,