Tracheobronchitis

1. ACUTE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS
Acute tracheobronchitis,anacute inflammationof the mucousmembranesof the tracheaandthe
bronchial tree.
Causes
- Infection
- inhalationof physical andchemical irritants,gases,andotheraircontaminants
Pathophysiology
In acute tracheobronchitis,the inflamedmucosaof the bronchi producesmucopurulentsputum,
ofteninresponse toStreptococcuspneumoniae,Haemophilusinfluenzae,andMycoplasma
pneumoniae.
Clinical Manifestations
- dry,irritatingcoughand expectorates ascantyamountof mucoidsputum.
- sternal sorenessfromcoughing
- feverorchillsandnightsweats,headache,andgeneral malaise.
- short of breath
- noisyinspirationandexpiration(inspiratorystridorandexpiratorywheeze)
- purulent(pus-filled)sputum.
- blood-streakedsecretions
Diagnosticevaluation
A sputumculture isessential toidentifythe specificcausative organism
Medical Management
- Antibioticdependingonthe symptoms,sputumpurulence,andresultsof the sputum
culture.
- Expectorants.
- Fluidintake isincreasedtothinthe viscousandtenacioussecretions
- Suctioningandbronchoscopytoremove secretions.
- Endotracheal intubation
- rest.
- steaminhalations
- analgesicsorantipyretics
NursingManagement
- increasingfluidintake anddirectedcoughingtoremove secretions.
- The nurse shouldencourage andassistthe patienttositup frequentlytocougheffectively
and to preventretentionof mucopurulentsputum.
- Provide completeresttothe patient.