URI Lower - Diebel Handout - Bronchitis Flashcards
What does bronchitis cause?
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi but does not involve the alveoli.
What usually causes bronchitis?
Viral agents
Bronchitis occurs in patients of all ages it is most common in. . .
. . . younger and older persons.
What are some viruses common to causing bronchitis?
- Influenza viruses A and B
- Parainfluenza viruses
- Adenovirus
- Respiratory Synctial virus (RSV)
- Rhinovirus
- Coxsackievirus groups A and B
What does Bronchitis typically present with (symptoms)?
- Cough (non-productive at first but may become mucopurulent)
- Chest pain
- Fever (101-102 F)
What do physical findings reveal in Bronchitis?
Infected pharynx.
What might a patient experience several hours before symptoms of bronchitis develop?
- Malaise
- Headache
- Sore throat
What do you see on CXR of bronchitis?
NO consolidations or infiltrates (looks normal)
What test can help differentiate between bronchitis and pneumonia?
CXR
-Shows infiltrates in pneumonia, not bronchitis
When does bronchitis usually occur?
After a viral URTI that extends into the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles and results in a hacking cough and sputum production.
What does inflammation in bronchitis result in?
Hyper secretion of mucus in the bronchial airways –> cough reflex aids in elimination of mucus secretions from airways.
What can happen in time with viral bronchitis?
Bacteria can colonize the damaged airways causing the sputum to become purulent.
What happens in bronchitis if the patient is healthy?
Viral infection is eliminated and mucous membranes return to normal within 7-10 days.
What happens when smokers get bronchitis?
Mucociliary clearance of the airway may be delayed due to excess mucous production and loss of ciliated cells. This leads to a productive cough. And these patients are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis.
When is bronchitis most common?
Winter months
What is bronchitis diagnosis based on?
Clinical signs and symptoms
What cannot be distinguished based on signs and symptoms alone?
The difference between pneumonia and bronchitis. (unless you do a CXR)
What does an elevated temperature indicate in bronchitis?
Bacterial bronchitis may be present.
What is the course of bronchitis in an otherwise healthy person?
Almost always self-limiting!
What type of therapy is recommended for bronchitis?
Supportive therapy.
When would it be necessary to identify a bacterial pathogen
If the patient has bronchitis lasting longer than 14 days, along with a fever, and purulent sputum.
What would you treat a patient with if you suspect bacterial bronchitis?
Erythromycin or Azithromycin
