What is acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial (say: brawn-kee-ull) tree. The bronchial tree is
made up of the tubes that carry air into your lungs. When these tubes get infected, they swell and
mucus (thick fluid) forms inside them. This makes it hard for you to breathe.

Acute bronchitis is bronchitis that lasts a short time (several weeks or less), while chronic
bronchitis is bronchitis that is long-lasting or recurring (and is usually caused by constant
irritation of the bronchial tree, such as from smoking).

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What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?

The symptoms of acute bronchitis can include:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• A cough that may bring up clear, yellow or green mucus
• Chest congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chills
• Body aches

With acute bronchitis, you are likely to have a cough for up to several weeks after your other
symptoms clear up.

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What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is almost always caused by viruses that attack the lining of the bronchial tree
and cause infection. As your body fights back against these viruses, more swelling occurs and
more mucus is produced. It takes time for your body to kill the viruses and heal the damage to
your bronchial tubes.

In most cases, the same viruses that cause colds cause acute bronchitis. Research has shown that
bacterial infection is a much less common cause of bronchitis than doctors used to think. Very
rarely, an infection caused by a fungus can cause acute bronchitis. Exposure to an irritant (such
as smoke, dust or pollutants in the air) may cause bronchitis.

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How do people get acute bronchitis?

The viruses that cause acute bronchitis are sprayed into the air or onto people’s hands when they
cough. You can get acute bronchitis if you breathe in these viruses. You can also get it if you
touch a hand that is coated with the viruses.

If you smoke or are around damaging fumes (such as those in certain kinds of factories), you are
more likely to get acute bronchitis and to have it longer. This is because your bronchial tree is
already damaged.

People who have gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) can develop acute bronchitis when
stomach acids get into the bronchial tree.

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You should call your doctor if:

• You continue to wheeze and cough for more than 2 weeks, especially at night when you
lie down or when you are active.
• You continue to cough for more than 2 weeks and sometimes have a bad-tasting fluid
come up into your mouth. This may mean you have gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD), which is a condition in which stomach acid gets into your esophagus
(windpipe).
• You have a cough that produces blood, you feel very sick and weak, you have a high
fever that doesn’t go down and you are short of breath. You may have pneumonia.

How is acute bronchitis treated?

Most cases of acute bronchitis will go away on their own. It's a good idea to get plenty of rest,
drink lots of noncaffeinated fluids (for example, water and fruit juices) and increase the humidity
in your environment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce inflammation, ease pain and
lower fever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin)
help with pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen helps with pain and reducing fever.

It is okay to take an over-the-counter cough suppressant if your cough is dry (not producing any
mucus). It's best not to suppress a cough that brings up mucus because this type of cough helps
clear the mucus from your bronchial tree faster. Cough medicine is not recommended for
children, especially those under 4 years of age.

Because acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, antibiotics do not help. Even if you cough
up mucus that is colored or thick, antibiotics probably won’t help you get better any faster.
However, if your doctor thinks your bronchitis is caused by a bacteria, he or she may prescribe
antibiotics.

If you smoke, you should quit. This will help your bronchial tree heal faster.

Some people who have acute bronchitis need medicines that are usually used to treat asthma. If
you hear yourself wheezing, this indicates you may need asthma medicines. These medicines can
help open the bronchial tubes and clear out mucus. They are usually given with an inhaler. An
inhaler sprays the medicine right into the bronchial tree. Your doctor will decide if this treatment
is right for you.

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How long will the cough from acute bronchitis last?

Sometimes the cough from acute bronchitis lasts for several weeks or months. Usually this
happens because the bronchial tree is taking a long time to heal. However, a cough that doesn’t
go away may be a sign of another problem, such as asthma or pneumonia.

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How can I keep from getting acute bronchitis again?

One of the best ways to keep from getting acute bronchitis is to wash your hands often to kill any
viruses before they get into your body.

If you smoke, the best defense against acute bronchitis is to quit. Smoking damages your
bronchial tree and makes it easier for viruses to cause infection. Smoking also slows down the
healing process, so it takes longer for you to get well.

(NURSING CRIB)
 • Is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that generally follows an upper respiratory
tract infection. As a result of this viral (most common) or bacterial infection, the airways
become inflamed and irritated, and mucus production increases.

Assessment:

1. Fever, tachypnea, mild dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain (possible).

2. Cough with clear to purulent sputum production.
3. Diffuse rhonchi and crackles(contrast with localized crackles usually heard with
pneumonia).

Diagnostic Evaluation:

1. Chest X-ray may rule out pneumonia. In bronchitis, films show no evidence of lung
infiltrates or consolidation.

Therapeutic Intervention:

1. Chest physiotherapy to mobilize secretions, if indicated.

2. Hydration to liquefy secretions.

Pharmacologic Interventions:

1. Inhaled bronchodilators to reduce bronchospasm and promote sputum expectoration.

2. A course of oral antibiotics such as a macrolide may be instituted, but is controversial.
3. Symptom management for fever and cough.

Nursing Interventions:
 1. Encourage mobilization of secretion through ambulation, coughing, and deep breathing.
2. Ensure adequate fluid intake to liquefy secretions and prevent dehydration caused by
fever and tachypnea.
3. Encourage rest, avoidance of bronchial irritant, and a good diet to facilitate recovery.
4. Instruct the patient to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics and explain the
effect of meals on drug absorption.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Teach the patient to recognize and immediately report early signs and symptoms of acute
bronchitis.

The types and severity of symptoms of acute bronchitis vary between individuals
depending on a variety of factors, such as age, general health, medical history, and
the presence of complications. Acute bronchitis is the result of a viral or bacterial
infection, which causes inflammation of the airways of the lungs. This results in
typical symptoms that include shortness of breath, especially with exertion, and a
loose cough that produces large amount of phlegm or mucus. People with acute
bronchitis may also have wheezing (a whistling sound made with breathing), fever,
fatigue, and chest tightness or pain that occurs with coughing.

A serious complication of acute bronchitis is the development of pneumonia, which can be life
threatening in some people. People at risk for developing pneumonia include infants, the elderly,
smokers, and people who have other respiratory diseases, such as asthma or emphysema.
Symptoms of pneumonia include shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, fatigue.

People who have repeated episodes of acute bronchitis may develop asthma, chronic bronchitis
and COPD, a serious ongoing and progressive lung disease

INTRODUCTION

Acute bronchitis is a disease of the lower respiratory tract in the lungs. It is often caused by a
viral infection, such as a upper respiratory infection or influenza that settles in the lungs. It can
also be caused by a bacterial infection. Both of these infections result in inflammation of the
airways of the lungs called the bronchi and the bronchioles.

Infection and inflammation of the bronchi and the bronchioles leads to symptoms that can
include a wet cough that produces white or yellow phlegm, shortness of breath, and fever.
Complications of acute bronchitis, such as pneumonia can be serious, even life threatening, and
result in additional symptoms. For more details on symptoms, refer to symptoms of acute
bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is a common disease that can occur at any time of the year, but most cases
happen in the winter months. It is most common in infants and young children and the elderly.
People at risk for developing acute bronchitis include smokers and people who are exposed to air
pollution or lung irritants. Other people at risk include those who have diseases of the lungs, such
as lung cancer, congestive heart failure, or emphysema.

Making a diagnosis of acute bronchitis begins with taking a thorough medical history, including
symptoms, smoking history, and exposure to lung irritants. A physical examination is also
performed and includes listening with a stethoscope to the sounds that lungs make during
respiration. Lung sounds that may point to a diagnosis of acute bronchitis include a bubbling,
wheezing, or crackling sound and decreased lung sounds.

Diagnostic testing can include lung function tests, such as a spirometry, which measures how
much air is moved in and out of the lungs. A chest X-ray and CT scan of the chest can help to
evaluate such factors as the presence of other lung conditions, including COPD, pneumonia and
congestive heart failure.
A sample of phlegm that is coughed up may be tested for the presence of bacteria or other
pathogens. For people who have a severe case of acute bronchitis, an arterial blood gas test may
be done. Is this test a sample of blood taken from an artery is measured for many parameters of
effective breathing, including the oxygen level in the blood.

It is possible that a diagnosis of acute bronchitis can be missed or delayed because symptoms
may be mild or possibly attributed to other conditions. For more information on misdiagnosis,
refer to misdiagnosis of acute bronchitis.

The treatment for acute bronchitis involves a multifaceted approach. Treatment plans vary
depending on the cause, (bacterial or viral) the severity of the symptoms, the presence of
complications, and an individual's medical history. For more information on treatment, refer to
treatment of acute bronchitis. ...more »

Acute Bronchitis: An infection of the bronchi or tubes that carry the air to the lungs. Infection
of the tubes causes them to produce thick mucus which can affect breathing. The mucus is often
coughed up. ...more »

Acute Bronchitis: Symptoms

The types and severity of symptoms of acute bronchitis vary between individuals depending on a
variety of factors, such as age, general health, medical history, and the presence of
complications. Acute bronchitis is the result of a viral or bacterial infection, which causes
inflammation of the airways of the lungs. This results in typical symptoms that ...more »

Acute Bronchitis: Treatments

The goal of treatment of acute bronchitis is to control symptoms, such as fever, cough, and
shortness of breath, and to minimize the development of serious complications, such as
pneumonia.

The first step in treatment is prevention. The risk of developing acute bronchitis can be reduced
by not smoking and avoiding air pollutants, and exposure to people who are sick with colds,
influenza, and other respiratory infections. Good hand washing practices minimize the spread of
viruses and bacteria that cause acute bronchitis.

Mild cases of acute bronchitis may be treated at home. Treatment includes getting plenty of rest
and fluids and using a humidifier. The physician will also recommended over-the-counter or
prescription medications to relieve pain, fever, and cough.

If acute bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, an antibiotic will be prescribed. If there is

shortness of breath, a bronchodilator may be needed. Bronchodilators help to relax and open up
the lower airways in the lungs and are inhaled into the lungs using a device called an inhaler.

Moderate to severe acute bronchitis may result in low levels of oxygen in the blood and require
hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic administration. Treatment often includes oxygen
therapy, in which extra oxygen is given through nasal prongs or a mask. Supplemental oxygen
can help relieve the shortness of breath and ensure that the vital organs, such as the heart and the
brain, get enough oxygen. Concentrations of oxygen and the types of devices used vary
depending on the severity of an individual's condition.

It is also vital to prevent common diseases that can seriously complicate acute bronchitis and
become life threatening. These include influenza and pneumonia, which may be prevented with
vaccines or treated with antibiotics in appropriate patients who are at risk for these
complications.

Treatment List for Acute Bronchitis

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Acute Bronchitis includes the following
list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

• Rest
• Fluids
• Pain relief
• Paracetamol
• Aspirin - but not for children
• Cough medicines
• Steam inhalation
• Heating pad
• Hot water bottle
• Antibiotics
• Physiotherapy
• Quit smoking
• Avoid dairy foods - if milk seems to increase sputum
• Humidifier - to try to thin out sputum
• Avoid very cold weather
• Avoid very hot weather
• Oxygen
• Antibiotics
• Bronchodilators
• Steroids
• Postural drainage

Latest treatments for Acute Bronchitis:

The following are some of the latest treatments for Acute Bronchitis:

• Cethromycin
• Bronchodilators
Acute Bronchitis: Misdiagnosis

A diagnosis of acute bronchitis may be delayed or missed because some symptoms, such as
cough, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, and wheezing can attributed to other conditions as such
as upper respiratory infection, influenza, or pneumonia. It is important to seek prompt medical
care if you experience any symptoms of acute bronchitis and ...more »

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

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• Cold-like symptoms
• Painful cough
• Dry cough - dry cough in early stages
• Productive cough - usually in later stages
• Wheezing
• more symptoms...»
Definition :

Definition Infection of the lower respiratory tract Generally follows an upper respiratory tract
infection From viral or bacterial infection Airways become inflamed; irritated Mucus production
increases

Bronchitis :

Bronchitis

Assessment :

Assessment Fever Tachypnea Mild dyspnea Pleuritic chest pain (possible) Cough with clear to
purulent sputum production Diffuse rhonchi and crackles

Diagnostic Evaluation :

Diagnostic Evaluation Chest x-ray -rule out pneumonia Films show no evidence of lung
infiltrates

Therapeutic Intervention :

Therapeutic Intervention Chest physiotheraphy to mobilize secretions Hydration to liquefy

secretions

Pharmacologic Interventions :

Pharmacologic Interventions Bronchodilators Reduce brochospasm Promote sputum

expectoration 2. Oral antibiotics 3. Symptom management for fever and cough

Nursing Interventions :

Nursing Interventions Encourage mobilization of secretion Ambulation Coughing exercises

Deep breathing exercises 2. Adequate fluid intake To liquefy secretions Prevent dehydration
caused by fever and tachypnea

Nursing Interventions :
Nursing Interventions 3. Encourage rest 4. Avoid bronchial irritants 5. Eat nutritious foods to
facilitate recovery 6. Instruct patient to comply taking medications 7. Caution the patient on
using OTCs medications