K.N.O.W. Home Health - CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

💡 What is Chronic Bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term illness that affects your lungs. It happens when the tubes (called bronchi) that carry air to your lungs stay swollen and full of mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and causes a cough that lasts a long time—at least 3 months a year for 2 years in a row.

🔍 What Causes Chronic Bronchitis?

Smoking is the most common cause.
Breathing in pollution, dust, or chemical fumes can also cause it.
Sometimes, people get it after having lung infections over and over.

💊 Treatment

Quit smoking – the most important step.
Medicines – like inhalers or pills to help open your airways.
Pulmonary rehab – special breathing exercises and training.
Oxygen therapy – if your oxygen levels are too low.
Stay away from smoke and irritants – protect your lungs.

🥗 Special Diet

Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus.
Avoid heavy or fried foods if they make you feel short of breath.

⚠️ Special Precautions & Considerations

Don’t smoke or let others smoke near you.
Wash your hands to avoid getting sick.
Get your flu shot and pneumonia vaccine every year.
Wear a mask in dusty or smoky areas.
Use a humidifier to keep airways moist.

🛑 When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

Your cough gets worse.
You cough up more mucus or it changes color.
You feel more tired than usual.
You have trouble breathing even with your inhaler.

🚨 When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER if you:

Can’t breathe or feel like you're choking.
Have chest pain.
Feel confused or very sleepy.
Your lips or fingers turn blue or gray.
Have a fever over 101°F that doesn’t go away.

🧠 Other Helpful Tips

Use your inhalers as directed, even if you feel okay.
Keep your home free of dust and strong smells.
Rest when needed but stay active to keep your lungs strong.
Track your symptoms in a notebook or app.

✅ PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False – Chronic bronchitis lasts only a few days.
True or False – Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis.
True or False – Chronic bronchitis makes it harder to breathe and causes a long-term cough.
True or False – You should keep using your inhalers only when you feel sick.
True or False – Drinking water helps thin mucus.
True or False – A healthy diet can help you feel better with chronic bronchitis.
True or False – You should avoid smoke, dust, and strong smells.
True or False – You only need a flu shot if you’re already sick.
True or False – It’s okay to skip your medicine if you feel good.
True or False – Pulmonary rehab is a program that helps with breathing.
True or False – You should call your nurse if you notice more mucus or it turns green or yellow.
True or False – It’s fine to stay around people who are sick with colds or flu.
True or False – You should go to the ER if your lips turn blue.
True or False – Using a humidifier can help you breathe easier.
True or False – People with chronic bronchitis should never exercise.
True or False – It’s important to rest but also stay active if possible.
True or False – Keeping your home clean helps prevent breathing problems.
True or False – Coughing is normal and should never be reported to a doctor.
True or False – Quitting smoking can improve your symptoms.
True or False – You should tell your nurse if you feel more tired than usual.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

How often do you experience coughing or producing mucus, and has this affected your ability to perform daily activities like walking, working, or sleeping?

Do you notice shortness of breath or wheezing, and does it get worse with activity or exposure to irritants like smoke or dust?

Are you currently using any medications or therapies, such as inhalers, bronchodilators, or oxygen, and how well do they help manage your symptoms?

Have you had any recent flare-ups or respiratory infections, and do you know when to contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen?

🧾 Answer Key with Explanations:

False – Chronic bronchitis lasts a long time, not just a few days.
True – Smoking is the #1 cause.
True – It causes a long-lasting cough and breathing problems.
False – Inhalers should be used regularly, not just when sick.
True – Water helps thin mucus so it’s easier to cough up.
True – Good nutrition helps your body fight illness.
True – These irritants make symptoms worse.
False – You need a flu shot every year to prevent getting sick.
False – Always take medicine as directed, even when you feel okay.
True – Pulmonary rehab teaches better breathing and energy use.
True – Changes in mucus can mean infection.
False – Avoid sick people to stay healthy.
True – Blue lips or fingers mean you need emergency care.
True – Humidifiers help moisten airways and ease breathing.
False – Gentle exercise is good unless your doctor says not to.
True – Balance rest and movement to stay strong.
True – Clean homes reduce exposure to triggers.
False – Always report worsening coughing.
True – Quitting smoking helps improve breathing and health.
True – Increased tiredness can be a sign of worsening illness.