التهاب القصبات الحاد

Definition

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the large-airway lining, viral in most cases.

Symptoms

• Cough after a cold, lasting up to 2–3 weeks
• Clear or coloured sputum (colour alone does not mean bacteria)
• Low fever and chest soreness from coughing
• Occasional mild wheeze

Diagnosis

Clinical; X-ray if pneumonia is suspected: high fever, tachypnoea or tachycardia, or focal chest signs.

Treatment

• Fluids, rest and analgesia
• Honey for cough in adults and children over one
• A bronchodilator if wheezy
• Antibiotics do not help in most cases

Nursing care

• Explain the expected cough duration to reduce antibiotic requests
• Stop smoking and avoid irritants
• Return if dyspnoea, high fever, haemoptysis or cough beyond 3 weeks

Exam point

Unnecessary antibiotics add resistance and side effects without benefit.