BRONCHITIS, ACUTE
PROBLEM
Acute bronchitis is a lung infection followed by a productive cough.
CAUSE
Respiratory viruses caused your bronchitis.
PREVENTION
A.Although the flu shot does not prevent acute bronchitis, you are encouraged to take the flu vaccine every year.
B.Avoid exposure to other people with respiratory illnesses.
C.Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke and other smoke-filled environments.
D.Avoid air pollutants, such as wood smoke, solvents, and cleaners.
E.Cover your nose and mouth with your sneeze or cough.
F.Use tissues when you blow your nose.
G.Throw away all tissues as soon as they are used. If no tissue is available, do the elbow sneeze
into the bend of your arm/sleeve of your shirt.
H.Use good handwashing techniques with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Humidity and mist may be helpful.
B.Always clean the humidifier daily to prevent bacteria from growing.
C.Twenty minutes several times a day in a steamy bathroom may provide relief.
Activity: Rest is important since you have been diagnosed with bronchitis; increase activity as tolerated when the fever subsides.
Diet: Eat a nutritious diet. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily.
Medications:
A.Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used to relieve discomfort.
B.For a nonproductive cough, take cough suppressants if recommended. You may be prescribed a cough medicine or be told the best kind to buy in the drugstore.
C.Since a virus almost always causes acute bronchitis, antibiotics will rarely be needed to get better.
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.
E.Diabetes and your blood sugars are elevated, or you notice ketones in your urine while you are sick.
F.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE