BRONCHITIS

DEFINITION
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the
lining of your bronchial tubes, which
carry air to and from your lungs. People
who have bronchitis often cough up
thickened mucus, which can be
discolored. Bronchitis may be either
acute or chronic.
 ETIOLOGY
It is normally caused by:
• Viruses
• Bacterial infection
• Exposure to irritants such as tobacco
smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air
pollution.
 ACUTE BRONCHITIS
It usually improves within a few
days without lasting effects,
although you may continue to
cough for weeks.
 CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
It is a more serious condition, a
constant irritation or inflammation of
the lining of the bronchial tubes, often
due to smoking.
Frequent in 50% of patients with a
history of smoking 40 to 60 per year.
 Today it ranks as the seventh top cause
of death in the Philippines.

Source: http://www.bworldonline.com
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Cough.
• Production of mucus (sputum), which can be
clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color
— rarely, it may be streaked with blood.
• Fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Slight fever and chills.
• Chest discomfort.
 DIAGNOSTIC AND LAB
EXAMS
• To diagnose bronchitis, your doctor will do a
physical exam and ask about your medical
history and symptoms. The doctor may also
order a blood test to look for signs of infection
or a chest X-ray to see if your lungs
and bronchial tubes look normal and rule
out pneumonia.
 TREATMENTS
• Acute bronchitis may go away without any
direct tx.
• There is no cure for chronic bronchitis but
there are medications that can relieve the
symptoms.
• Symptoms can be managed at home resting,
drinking fluids and treating pains with
acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
 NURSING INTERVENTION
Encourage patient to:
• ambulate, cough and deep breathing
to mobilize secretions
• rest, avoid of bronchial irritant an a
good diet to facilitate recovery.
• smoking cessation
 NURSING INTERVENTION
• Ensure adequate intake to liquefy
secretions and prevent dehydration
caused by fever and tachypnea.
• Instruct the pt. to complete the full
course of prescribed antibiotics
 NURSING INTERVENTION
• Caution the pt. 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.
 NURSING INTERVENTION
• Advise the pt. that a dry cough may
persist after bronchitis because of
irritation of airways. Suggest avoiding
dry environments and using humidifier
at bedside.
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• During an episode of bronchitis, the cells of
the bronchial-lining tissue are irritated and the
mucous membrane becomes hyperemic and
edematous, diminishing bronchial mucociliary
function. Consequently, the air passages
become clogged by debris and irritation
increases. In response, copious secretion of
mucus develops, which causes the
characteristic cough of bronchitis.
NORMAL LUNGS
WITH BRONCHITIS