CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^101
- Perform chest percussion to help loosen secretions.
- Explain to the patient:
- That family member can perform chest PT.
- How to do postural drainage.
- How to administer oxygen.
- How to properly administer medications.
Bronchitis
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Increased mucus production, caused by infection and airborne irritants that block
airways in the lungs, results in the decreased ability to exchange gases. There are
two forms of bronchitis: acute bronchitis, where blockage of the airways is re-
versible, and chronic bronchitis, where blockage is not reversible. Patients with
acute bronchitis are symptomatic typically for 7 to 10 days often due to viral (but
sometimes bacterial) infection. Patients with chronic bronchitis will have symp-
toms of a chronic productive cough for at least 3 consecutive months in 2 consec-
utive years. There is increased mucous production, inflammatory changes, and,
ultimately, fibrosis in the airway walls. The patient with chronic bronchitis has an
increased incidence of respiratory infection.
PROGNOSIS
Patients with acute bronchitis who have a resolution of symptoms and respiratory
status will return to normal condition. Chronic bronchitis is classified as a chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is often linked to smoking and has
a progressive pattern. Shortness of breath is initially present only with exertion,
and eventually is present even at rest. Patients with chronic bronchitis often develop
right-sided heart failure and peripheral or dependent edema. Patients will have
acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Cough due to mucous production and irritation of airways.
- Shortness of breath.
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