Bronchitis
Prevention
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is often referred to as a “chest cold” and may present after the flu or some other upper respiratory illness. In 85-90% of acute bronchitis the cause is viral, therefore the use of prophylactic antibiotics or the use of any antibiotics without a high suspicion of bacterial origin are not recommended. Many experts agree that the use of antibiotics may cause further harm by creating more resistant strains of bronchitis. Regardless of the cause, acute bronchitis is contagious and precautions to prevent the infection of staff, family members and others should be paramount. People with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, and cardiac or lung diseases are at much higher risk of complications.
Bronchial infections are spread by inhalation of bronchial droplets. This may be directly by inhalation, after a cough or sneeze, or indirectly though contact, such as touching an object that is contaminated. Frequent and diligent hand washing hygiene is recommended for the patient, persons in close proximity to the patient, and all healthcare providers. Hands should be washed for 40-60 seconds. Hands should always be washed prior to eating and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizer may be used when no obvious (dirty) contamination has occurred. Once germs or a virus are put in contact with objects they can be transmittable. Viral cold infections can last up to several days on nonporous surfaces. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. If proper hand hygiene is not used, the chance of indirect exposure increases. Coughing is another way to spread acute bronchitis, and patients should be taught to cover their mouth with their elbow and not their hand to prevent the indirect spread to others.
Some patients may use humidifiers to aid in their treatment. Families and healthcare providers should insure that humidifiers are cleaned per manufacturer’s instructions, preferable with bleach, so mold or bacteria are not allowed to form. This will depend on the use of the humidifier and dampness of the environment. If not cleaned properly, the virulent droplets can be spread through the humidifier. Handkerchiefs are not recommended, since they may help spread transmission of the virus or bacteria. Disposable items are therefore recommended. All fabrics in contact with droplets should be washed at 140 degrees Fahrenheit with a bleach based laundry product, and then discarded according to biohazard regulations.
Avoidance of bronchial irritants such as smoking, including second hand smoke, and chemical irritants will decrease the potential of acute bronchitis by allowing the cilia in the lungs to clear mucus production.
Finally, vaccines for flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough may prevent the incidence of acute bronchitis, as these diseases may increase a patient’s risk of further infections.
Living With Chronic Bronchitis
If you have chronic bronchitis, you can take steps to control your symptoms. Lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage the condition. Lifestyle Changes The most important step is to not start smoking or to quit smoking. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. For more information about how to quit smoking, go to the Diseases and Conditions Index Smoking and Your Heart article and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI’s) “Your Guide to a Healthy Heart.” Although these resources focus on heart health, they include general information about how to quit smoking. Also, try to avoid other lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution. This will help keep your lungs healthy. Wash your hands often to lower your risk for a viral or bacterial infection. Also, try to stay away from people who have colds or the flu. See your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of a cold or the flu.
Follow a healthy diet and be as physically active as you can. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. A healthy diet also is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugar.
Ongoing Care
See your doctor regularly and take all of your medicines as prescribed. Also, talk with your doctor about getting a yearly flu shot and a pneumonia vaccine. If you have chronic bronchitis, you may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). PR is a broad program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic (ongoing) breathing problems. People who have chronic bronchitis often breathe fast. Talk with your doctor about a breathing method called pursed-lip breathing. This method decreases how often you take breaths, and it helps keep your airways open longer. This allows more air to flow in and out of your lungs so you can be more physically active. To do pursed-lip breathing, you breathe in through your nostrils. Then you slowly breathe out through slightly pursed lips, as if you’re blowing out a candle. You exhale two to three times longer than you inhale. Some people find it helpful to count to two while inhaling and to four or six while exhaling.
References:
Bronchitis. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/bro…
COPD. Retrieved from. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/copd#Screening-and-Prevention.
H.E., Thomas. (1972). Acute and chronic bronchitis: prevention and cure. Nurs. Times., 68 (48), 1519-1520. Retrieved from https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/medline/2-s2.0-4641971.
Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/index.html.
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