BRONCHITIS, CHRONIC
PROBLEM
Chronic bronchitis is an upper respiratory infection followed by a productive cough. To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, you have had the symptoms 3 months for 2 years in a row.
CAUSE
Both viruses and bacterial infections cause chronic bronchitis.
PREVENTION
A.A yearly flu vaccine is recommended because the flu may lead to bronchitis.
B.There are two pneumonia vaccines. Pneumonia vaccines are recommended for people older than 65 years of age, younger people who smoke, and for people with chronic respiratory conditions and other medical conditions.
C.You may be given one of the pneumonia vaccines at the same time as you get the flu vaccine.
D.Avoid exposure to others with respiratory illnesses.
E.Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke and smoke-filled environments.
F.Avoid other air pollutants, such as wood smoke, solvents, and cleaners.
G.Use good handwashing techniques and use hand sanitizers.
H.Use tissues for the mucus coughed up. Dispose of the tissues after use.
I.Cover your mouth when you cough. If you do not have a tissue, the elbow sneeze
into the bend of your arm/into your sleeve will prevent you from spreading your illness.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Humidity and mist may be helpful.
B.Always clean the humidifier daily to prevent bacterial growth.
C.Twenty minutes several times a day in a steamy bathroom may provide relief.
D.If continuing to smoke, do your best to reduce the amount.
Activity: Rest during the early stage of the illness; then increase activity as tolerated when the fever subsides. It is not uncommon to feel tired for several weeks.
Diet: Eat a nutritious diet. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily.
Medications:
A.Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used to relieve fever and discomfort.
B.You may be prescribed an inhaler to help your breathing.
C.You may be prescribed steroids to help with the inflammation of your lungs. The steroids may be given by an inhaler or as a pill.
D.It is very important that you use the inhaler properly so that the medicine can go into your lungs. A teaching sheet on how to use an inhaler is available.
E.You may also be prescribed an antibiotic for a bacterial infection. Take all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better.
F.You may be prescribed a cough suppressant to take at night to help you rest. However, coughing up the mucus is very important to clear out your wind pipes.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.No improvement after 48 hours.
B.Worsening symptoms.
C.High fever, chills, chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath.
D.Symptoms that last longer than 3 weeks after taking all of your antibiotics.
E.Diabetes and your blood sugars are elevated, or you notice ketones in your urine while you are sick.
F.Other: ___________________________________________________________
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