Bronchitis Acute

Bronchitis Acute

OVERVIEW:

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the airway resulting from a respiratory tract infection. It is generally self-limited with complete healing and full return of function.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Follows respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold (runny nose, malaise, chills, slight fever, sore throat, back and muscle pain)
• Cough: initially dry and unproductive, then productive
• Fever
• Fatigue, aching muscles
• Spitting up blood
• Burning sensation in chest
• Difficulty breathing (sometimes)
• Wheezing or noisy breathing

CAUSES:

• Viral or bacterial infection
• Less often, infection by fungi or other microbe

SCOPE:

Acute bronchitis is common in the United States.

MOST OFTEN AFFECTED:

All ages are affected by acute bronchitis, males and females equally.

RISK FACTORS:

• Chronic lung diseases
• Chronic sinusitis
• Allergies
• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children
• Immune system disorders
• Air pollutants
• Elderly
• Infants
• Smoking
• Second-hand smoke
• Alcoholism
• Reflux esophagitis
• Tracheostomy
• Environmental changes
• Immunologic deficiency

DIAGNOSIS

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

• The Physician will take a history and perform a thorough physical examination.
• Other conditions with similar signs and symptoms will be investigated, such as influenza (flu), pneumonia, or asthma.

TESTS AND PROCEDURES:

• A number of blood tests may be performed to assist in diagnosis.
• Arterial blood may be obtained.
• CBC (blood count) may be obtained.
• Fluids may be cultured for microbiological analysis.
• Chest X-ray
• Pulmonary function tests may be done to assess the respiratory system.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES:

• Acute bronchitis is usually managed on an outpatient basis unless the person is elderly or the bronchitis is complicated by severe underlying disease.
• Rest
• Steam inhalations
• Vaporizers
• Antibiotics, if bacterial infection suspected
• Maintain adequate hydration.
• Stop smoking.

ACTIVITY:

Rest until fever subsides

DIET:

Increased fluids (up to 3 to 4 liters per day) if fever present

MEDICATIONS

COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS:

• Amantadine if influenza A is suspected; most effective if started within 24 to 48 hours of development of symptoms.
• Decongestants if accompanied by sinus condition
• Fever-reducing pain reliever, such as aspirin (do not give to children) or acetaminophen.
• Antibiotics: amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), cephalosporin, doxycycline, clarithromycin
• Cough suppressant for troublesome cough
• Bronchodilators (aerosols/steroids)

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Doxycycline should not be used during pregnancy.

PRECAUTIONS:

Read drug product information.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Read drug product information.

Other Drugs:

• Other antibiotics
• Antiviral drugs

FOLLOW UP

PATIENT MONITORING:

The Physician should be seen as necessary depending on the nature of the disease and the person's health status.

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE:

• Avoid smoking.
• Control underlying risk factors (asthma, sinusitis, reflux).
• Avoid exposure.
• Vaccinations

COMPLICATIONS:

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Usually, there is complete healing with good return of function.
• Bronchitis can be serious in elderly or debilitated patients.
• Cough may persist for several weeks after initial improvement.
• May result in reactive airway disease or other serious conditions (rare)

MISCELLANEOUS

OTHER FACTORS:

N/A

PEDIATRIC:

• Bronchitis among children usually occurs in association with other upper and lower respiratory tract conditions.
• Some children seem to be more susceptible than others. If attacks of bronchitis recur, child should be further evaluated.
• If acute bronchitis is caused by respiratory syncytial virus, it may be fatal.

GERIATRIC:

Bronchitis can be a serious illness among the elderly, particularly if part of influenza.

OTHERS:

N/A

PREGNANCY:

N/A

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SEE ALSO (Enter the keywords below into our search box or click on the link):

Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease & emphysema

Medical Diagnosis » B » Bronchitis Acute