BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION • Treatment is directed toward relieving the symptoms, Inflammation of the air passages (trachea; bronchi; unless there are signs of secondary bacterial infection: bronchioles) of the lungs. Acute bronchitis is of sudden green sputum, fever over 101° F or worsening symptoms. onset and short duration (chronic bronchitis is persistent • If you are a smoker, don’t smoke during your illness. over a long period and recurring over several This delays recovery and makes complications more years). likely. FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Increase air moisture. Take frequent hot showers. Use • Cough that produces little or no sputum initially, but a cool-mist, ultrasonic humidifier by your bed. Clean does later on. humidifier daily. • Low fever (usually less than 101° F or 38.3° C). • Additional information available from the American • Burning chest discomfort or feeling of pressure Lung Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, NY behind the breastbone. 10019, (800) 586-4872. • Wheezing or uncomfortable breathing (sometimes). MEDICATIONS CAUSES • For minor discomfort, you may use: • Infection from one of many respiratory viruses. Most Acetaminophen to reduce fever. cases of acute bronchitis begin with a cold virus in the Non-prescription cough suppressants. Use only if nose and throat that spreads to the airways. A secondary your cough is non-productive (without sputum). It may bacterial infection is common. be dangerous to stop a cough entirely as this traps • Lung inflammation from breathing air that contains excess mucus and irritants in bronchial tubes, leading to irritants, such as chemical fumes (ammonia), acid pneumonia and poor oxygen exchange in the lungs. fumes, dust or smoke. • Other drugs that may be prescribed: RISK INCREASES WITH Antibiotics to fight bacterial infections. • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Expectorants to thin mucus so it can be coughed up • Smoking. more easily. • Cold, humid weather. Cough suppressants. • Poor nutrition. ACTIVITY • Recent illness that has lowered resistance. Rest in bed until temperature returns to normal. Then • Areas with high atmospheric pollution. resume normal activity gradually as symptoms improve. • Elderly and very young age groups. DIET PREVENTIVE MEASURES No special diet. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluid • Avoid close contact with persons who have bronchitis. each day to help thin mucus secretions so they can be • Don’t smoke. coughed up more easily. • If you work with chemicals, dust or other lung irritants, wear an appropriate face mask. NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF EXPECTED OUTCOMES • You or a family member has symptoms of bronchitis. Usually curable with treatment in 1 week. Cases with • The following occur during the illness: complications are usually curable in 2 weeks with High fever and chills. medication. Chest pain. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Thickened, discolored or blood-streaked sputum. • Bacterial lung infection (various kinds of pneumonia). Shortness of breath, even when the body is at rest. • Chronic bronchitis from recurrent episodes of acute Vomiting. bronchitis. • Cough may persist for several weeks after initial improvement. • Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs) (rare).
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES Adapted from Instructions for Patients, Sixth Edition, H. Winter • Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms Griffith, M.D., W.B Saunders Company displayed, but a sputum culture may be done to check for bacterial infection.