Bronchitis Nursing Diagnosis And Nursing Care Plan

Bronchitis Nursing Diagnosis and Nursing Care Plan: Acute viral inflammation of the lower respiratory tract that affects the bronchioles and alveoli is known as bronchiolitis. The smaller airways get blocked as a result of cellular debris, exudate, accumulated thick mucus, and mucosal edema brought on by inflammation (bronchioles). Reduced expiration, air entrapment, and hyperinflation of the alveoli are the results of this. As a result of the obstruction’s interference with gas exchange, there may be hypoxemia and hypercapnia in extreme instances, which may result in respiratory acidosis. Hospitalization is required for children with this problem and other severe illnesses who are in a weakened state.

Table of Contents

Types of Bronchitis

There are two types of bronchitis, and these are the following:

Acute bronchitis: A more prevalent variety of bronchitis where symptoms often last for many weeks but do not persist or worsen after that time.

Chronic bronchitis: Thought to be a dangerous, persistent ailment that may recur or manifest later.

Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

Having trouble breathing
chest discomfort
persistent dry cough with possible white, green, or yellow mucus appearance

Meanwhile, the following are some signs of acute bronchitis:

Fever and sore throat
Chills
Body pain
Exhaustion
Congestion

Causes of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is frequently the outcome of infections with the common viruses that cause the flu and colds. In addition to infectious agents, bacteria can also result in the development of this condition. In order to combat the virus, the body’s immune system therefore creates mucus, which may clog the bronchioles, making breathing and respiration harder.

Chronic bronchitis has several frequent causes, including

Long-term smoking, or being around others who are smoking
Environmental air pollution, as well as other waste, dust, and chemical emissions

Potential Dangers of Bronchitis

The main contributing factor to chronic bronchitis is smoking. Acute and chronic bronchitis are more likely to occur when smoking is unchecked and persistent.
Those who experience asthma or other allergies
Immunocompromised or having a weakened immune system – immunocompromised patients, children, and elderly people who are susceptible to colds are more likely to get bronchitis.
A history of pulmonary illness in the family

Complications

Bronchitis patients are more prone to experience the following issues:

When coughing there is blood or tenacious mucus
I can’t sleep because I keep coughing too much
Chest pain
Abnormal breathing noise that frequently sounds like a dog barking
Loss of weight

Diagnosis

Having the signs and symptoms verified by a physical examination is an important diagnostic procedure. The attending physician could inquire about whether the patient has a cough, a fever, a cold, and potentially mucus when they expectorate. The attending physician may further request the following tests:

When doing an auscultation, the presence of an irregular breathing sound may be a sign of bronchitis.
To rule out other lung illnesses or disorders, such as pneumonia, a chest X-ray is performed.
A blood test
Snot swab
Examining the oxygen levels

Bronchitis Treatment

The symptoms of acute bronchitis normally go away on their own or within a few weeks. However, if bacteria may be the reason (which is unusual), the attending doctor might advise the patient to take antibiotics. The attending physician may suggest using an inhaler to help promote optimal aeration by opening the airways if the patient has asthma or allergies. Here are some other strategies for treating acute bronchitis symptoms:

Getting lots of sleep
Drinking water
Using a humidifier to break up mucus
Using over-the-counter cough medications for treatment

Prevention for Bronchitis

Smoking should be avoided since it increases the chance of contracting or developing bronchitis. Additional suggestions include:

Current vaccinations against the flu and pertussis
Always wash your hands after using the restroom.
Using a face mask in places with irritating or polluted air