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GENERAL INFORMATION Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These tubes are necessary for the transmission of oxygen to the caplillaries of the lungs where absorbed by the red blood cells transports the oxygen to all cells of the body. Acute bronchitis also includes inflammation of the trachea, nose, throat, or sinuses. When the bronchial tubes are involved, treatment is directed toward the bronchitis rather than the other conditions. Acute bronchitis may be caused by infections (viruses, bacteria), allergies, or chemical agents (smoke, dust, fumes). People of all ages may suffer this this illness, and the illness may range from mild to severe. Your degree of activity may be impacted given the severity of your illness. You may be directed to have bed rest, mild activity, or engage in your normal actitivites. Food is not restricted, but it is important to drink 8 fluid ounces every hour. Avoid breathing irritating substances until the symptoms are gone. Take your temperature every morning and evening and record it. Attempt to increase the moisture in the air you breathe. Your medicines are fitted to your symptoms. Take them as directed. If a cough medicine is prescribed, it will not stop the cough, but will make the cough less painful and more efficient by thinning and lossening the secretions. Notify our office if any of the following occurs: Temperature over 101 degrees F., blood in the sputum, increasing chest pain, shortness of breath even when not coughing or when the body is at rest, thickening of the sputum despite steps taken to thin it, vomiting.
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