family health

“Managing Bronchitis in Adults” 1

Jeanann McKiernan

Goldie Leibowitz

Sandra Terzulli

Kristina Moiseenko

Vincenza Pantorno

Wagner College, Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing

NR641: Family Health 1

Dr. Aurelus

Dr Mavarro

October

“Managing Bronchitis in Adults” 2

Bronchitis is diagnosed when the airways leading into the lungs and trachea get inflamed

and swollen while becoming filled with mucus. When people have a diagnosis of acute or

chronic bronchitis the lining of the airways swell due to inflammation, irritation and/or infection

(viral, bacterial). This causes an increased production of mucus and in turn blocks the airflow

through the lung tissue and may damage the lung eventually and permanently. “Over 80% of

deaths occur in low and middle income countries according to the WHO (World Health

Association, 2020).” Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is becoming the third leading

cause of death tolls world wide. The Uk is ranked as one of the highest mortality rates of COPD

around the world.

Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by viral or a bacterial infection .This begins to

develop from a chest cold or another respiratory condition. The common cause is usually viral.

The acute bronchitis can present as a chest cold with the beginning of a cough. The cough can

last for two to four weeks. The viral infection can be supported with symptom management. For

example cough suppressant and an increased fluid intake, etc. The acute bronchitis can

eventually go away with no need for any aggressive treatment .

COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also called chronic bronchitis. In

COPD there is an underlying progressive disease that limits and restricts airflow. This causes

hyperactivity of the airways. The bronchioles, parenchyma and the small airways are affected.

When someone is a chronic smoker or has been exposed consistently to lung irritants because of

social or environmental exposure. COPD can and will develop. The COPD will be eventually

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irreversible and eventually require chronic management to reduce exacerbations that require

hospital interventions and eventually cause death. We as clinicians need to provide education and

medical management to avoid any unnecessary hospital stay for an exacerbation.

Chronic Bronchitis is a more serious condition that needs to be micromanaged in its

presentation and to prevent exacerbation. There is constant irritation and inflammation to the

lining of the lungs because of years of exposure; smoke, second hand smoke, pollutants,

irritants throughout one's life and even repeated episodes of acid reflux. Clinical presentation of

patients with COPD and an acute exacerbation needs to be treated immediately with a variety of

treatment options. The goal is to treat and educate to decrease the need for hospitalization and to

increase quality of life. Nosocomial infections could be a death sentence to patients with COPD.

Symptoms that occur are; worsening cough lasting for three months recurring for at least two

years. Worsening dyspnea on exertion, sputum increased production and change in color. A drop

in their oxygen saturation from normal 88-92% room air to levels below 80% because of the

worsening of gas exchange. Requires oxygen titration in order to meet the demands of hypoxia.

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References

World Health Organization (WHO). (2022 September 19, 2022). The top ten causes of

death. World Health Organization. Geneva, 2020