ACUTE BRONCHITIS Prevention • Inhaled bronchodilators to reduce bronchospasm and

Definition • Clean your hands. promote sputum expectoration.

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