Bronchitis PATIENT EDUCATION SERIES

What is bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (the • There is debate among experts about the air passages that extend from the windpipe into usefulness of cough suppressants and the lungs) which is generally caused by viruses, expectorants for cough that comes along and less commonly other pathogens. The cells with a cold. Generally, a wet productive that line the bronchi have tiny hairs (cilia) that cough that produces mucus is good as it trap and eliminate pollutants. When these cells clears secretions. If your cough disturbs become overly irritated, they stop functioning. your sleep, try a hot drink, elevating your Consequently, the air passages become clogged head a little on pillow and humidifying by debris, and irritation increases. In response, a your room. heavy secretion of mucous develops, which causes • An OTC cough medicine with the characteristic cough of bronchitis. dexomethoraphan (DM) (e.g. Robitusin DM or generic equivalent, per package Brief bouts of acute bronchitis may evolve from directions) may help some people who a severe cold or flu, but may also begin without have bothersome, dry, spasmodic cough. having had an infection. If you have underlying asthma, bronchitis may precipitate an asthma • Guaifenisin (per package directions), an attack. Even if you have no history of asthma, expectorant, is available either by itself bronchitis may trigger some asthma-like or as a common ingredient in cough/ symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of cold OTC remedies, some people find breath. Smoking is frequently associated with this product helps to thin and mobilize chronic bronchitis. mucus. See your provider if your cough is worsening, keeping you up without relief, or associated with wheezing or shortness What are the symptoms of bronchitis? of breath. Other prescription medicine Symptoms may include: may be indicated. • a deep cough that produces yellowish or greenish phlegm • If antibiotics are prescribed by your • pain behind the breastbone when you medical provider, be sure to take all of the breathe deeply or cough medication even if you feel better before • wheezing you finish the medication. You may feel • breathlessness better before the infection is really gone, • low-grade fever or chills and stopping the medication will only • headache leave the infection in your body. • sore muscles • If a bronchodilating inhaler or pills are • fatigue prescribed by your medical provider to open the air passages, be sure to follow the instructions you are given. What is the treatment for bronchitis? • Stop smoking! • It is important to return to Health Services or to call your provider if your • Drink large amounts of fluids to help symptoms become worse, if you develop a loosen up chest mucous and move it out of high fever (101°F or higher), or if you do your body. not begin to improve within a few days. • If your room is dry, using a humidifier Symptoms usually last about 10 days. may help. • Contact your provider if at any point you • Try to get enough rest and sleep. Your feel you are too ill to care for yourself. body needs to rest to help fight the infection.

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