By ULY CLINIC
BRONCHITIS
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Acute Bronchitis
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Introduction
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It is a self-limited inflammation of the bronchi due to upper airway infection. Acute bronchitis is one of the most common conditions associated with antibiotic misuse.
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This respiratory condition is generally caused by a virus. Pertussis is the only indication for antibacterial agents in the treatment of acute bronchitis. It is also known as a chest cold, is short-term inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) of the lungs.
Diagnostic Criteria
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Patients with acute bronchitis present with a cough lasting more than five days (typically one to three weeks), which may be associated with sputum production.
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Acute bronchitis should be distinguished from chronic bronchitis (see below), it is not a form of COPD.
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Symptomatic Treatment
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With non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: paracetamol, aspirin
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Cough suppressant syrups
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There is NO benefit from antibiotic use
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Chronic Bronchitis
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Introduction
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It defined by a chronic productive cough for three months in each of two successive years in a patient in whom other causes of chronic cough have been excluded. Patients may get secondary bacterial infection with development of fever and production of thick smelly sputum.
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Non-Pharmacological Treatment
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Stop smoking and/or remove from hazardous environment
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Prompt treatment of infective exacerbations
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Antibiotics as above in case of secondary bacterial infection
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Controlled oxygen therapy
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Physiotherapy
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Bronchodilator may give some benefit
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Pharmacological Treatment
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Inhaler Salbutamol (PO) 100 µg two puff 6 hourly
OR
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Salbutamol (PO) 4mg 8 hourly
OR
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Ipratropium bromide aerosol 20–80mg, 6–8 hourly Trial of steroids if there is possibility of reversible airways obstructions A: Prednisolone (PO) 20mg once daily for 5 days
Note : Patient should be given salbutamol inhaler but when not available consider salbutamol tablets.
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Updated on, 2.11.2020
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References
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1. STG