BRONCHITIS GENERAL

🫁 General Patient Education: Bronchitis (Basic Overview)

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a lung condition that happens when the airways (called bronchi) in your lungs get swollen and filled with mucus. This makes it harder to breathe and causes coughing. It can happen to people of any age.

There are two main types:

• Acute bronchitis – short-term, often from a cold or virus.
  
  

• Chronic bronchitis – long-term and usually from smoking or lung damage (this will be discussed in the next education session).
  
  

For now, we’ll just talk about general bronchitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

• Cough that may last several days or weeks
  
  

• Mucus (phlegm) that may be clear, yellow, or green
  
  

• Tiredness (fatigue)
  
  

• Mild fever or chills
  
  

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
  
  

• Chest discomfort or soreness from coughing
  
  

• Shortness of breath
  
  

What Causes Bronchitis?

• Viruses (like the flu or cold)
  
  

• Bacteria
  
  

• Smoking or secondhand smoke
  
  

• Dust, air pollution, or fumes
  
  

• Weakened immune system
  
  

How is Bronchitis Treated?

• Rest and drink lots of fluids
  
  

• Cough medicine (only if recommended by your doctor)
  
  

• Inhalers or breathing treatments, if needed
  
  

• Antibiotics (only if it’s caused by bacteria)
  
  

• Avoid smoking and smoky areas
  
  

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

• Your cough lasts more than 2–3 weeks
  
  

• Your mucus changes color or gets thicker
  
  

• You feel more tired than usual
  
  

• You have a mild fever that doesn’t go away
  
  

• You feel short of breath but it’s not severe
  
  

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER if:

• You are struggling to breathe
  
  

• You have chest pain
  
  

• Your lips or fingertips turn blue
  
  

• You feel confused or dizzy
  
  

• You have a high fever and are getting worse quickly
  
  

✅ True or False Statements: General Bronchitis (Patient Understanding)

1. True or False: Bronchitis is a condition where the airways in the lungs become swollen and full of mucus.
   
   

2. True or False: All bronchitis is caused by bacteria and must be treated with antibiotics.
   
   

3. True or False: A cough is a common symptom of bronchitis.
   
   

4. True or False: Smoking can make bronchitis worse.
   
   

5. True or False: You should always go to the ER if you have a cough.
   
   

6. True or False: Rest and drinking fluids can help you feel better when you have bronchitis.
   
   

7. True or False: You should call your home health nurse if your mucus changes color.
   
   

8. True or False: Wheezing and shortness of breath are signs of bronchitis.
   
   

9. True or False: A humidifier or staying away from smoke can help reduce symptoms.
   
   

10. True or False: You should wait several weeks before telling your nurse or doctor that you feel worse.
    
    

✅ Answer Key: General Bronchitis – Patient Understanding Quiz

1. True – Bronchitis is when the airways in your lungs become swollen and filled with mucus.
   → This causes coughing, mucus, and breathing problems.
   
   

2. False – Not all bronchitis is caused by bacteria.
   → Most cases are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don't help viral infections.
   
   

3. True – A cough is one of the most common signs of bronchitis.
   → It may last for days or even weeks.
   
   

4. True – Smoking or breathing in smoke can make bronchitis worse.
   → Smoke irritates the airways and can delay healing.
   
   

5. False – You don’t need to go to the ER just for a cough.
   → Only go to the ER if you are struggling to breathe, have chest pain, or other severe symptoms.
   
   

6. True – Rest and fluids help your body fight the infection and thin mucus.
   → This is part of basic treatment for bronchitis.
   
   

7. True – Mucus changing color may mean infection or worsening symptoms.
   → You should call your nurse or doctor to let them know.
   
   

8. True – Wheezing and shortness of breath are common in bronchitis.
   → These happen because the airways are irritated and narrowed.
   
   

9. True – A humidifier and avoiding smoke can help ease breathing and coughing.
   → Moist air helps loosen mucus and soothes airways.
   
   

10. False – You should not wait several weeks to report worsening symptoms.
    → Let your nurse or doctor know early if symptoms aren’t improving or are getting worse.