LESSON V – RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISORDERS II – BRONCHITIS DR. IRENE ROCO

OUTLINE DR. IRENE ROCO Definition of Bronchitis, Types Causes Pathophysiology Signs & Symptoms Preventions

BRONCHITIS A disease of the airways; Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes reducing the amount of air and oxygen that can flow into the lungs and causes a heavy mucus or phlegm to form in the airways. A - Acute Bronchitis - short-lived B - Chronic - the presence of cough and sputum production for at least 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years. In many cases, smoke or other environmental pollutants irritate the airways, resulting in hypersecretion of mucus and inflammation

CAUSES OF ACUTE BRONCHITIS viruses and bacteria, that infect the epithelium of the bronchi, resulting in inflammation and increased secretion of mucus. exposure to tobacco smoke, pollutants or solvents gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) CAUSES OF CHRONIC BRONCHITIS Cigarette smoking Continuous attacks of acute bronchitis Air pollution, dust, toxic gases, and other industrial fumes

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY The patient becomes more susceptible to respiratory infection. DR. IRENE ROCO constant irritation mucus-secreting glands and goblet cells to increase in number ciliary function is reduced more mucus is produced. bronchial walls become thickened, bronchial lumen is narrowed mucus may plug the airway. Alveoli adjacent to the bronchioles may become damaged and fibrosed, resulting in altered function of the alveolar macrophages.

Cough generally lasts from days. Sputum may be clear, yellow, green, or even blood-tinged; purulent sputum. changes in sputum color are due to peroxidase released by leukocytes in sputum Wheezing General malaise, extreme fatigue With severe tracheal involvement, symptoms include burning, substernal chest pain associated with respiration, and coughing. Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose Headache, muscle aches, chest pain. DR. IRENE ROCO SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include : Ankle, feet and leg swelling Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen. Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu).

BRONCHITIS : PREVENTIONS Avoid tobacco smoke Annual flu shot Limit the use of cough suppressants since mucus should be coughed up to help unblock bronchi. Reduce intake of foods such as sugar, white flour, dairy and others that may be mucus- producing. Infection control measures Use an air humidifier. Warm, moist air loosens mucus in the airways and helps to relieve coughing.

REFERENCES SMELTZER & BARE BRUNNER & SUDDARTH’S MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING DR. IRENE ROCO