Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) in the lungs. Symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
Medications:
- Inhaler Asthalin (Salbutamol 100 mcg) – 2 puffs every six hours (maximum dose – 800 mcg/day).
- Tab. Mucolite (Ambroxol 30 mg) – 1 tablet thrice a day.
- Syrup Rapitus (Levodropropizine 30 mg/5ml) – 10 ml at bed time.
Antibiotic treatment for symptoms longer than 7 days with signs of infection and in COPD:
- Tab. Azimax 500 (Azithromycin 500 mg) 1 tablet once a day for 5 days for patients less than 50 years age.
- Tab. Moxikind-CV (Amoxicillin 500 mg, Clavulanic acid 125 mg) 1 tablet once a day for 7 days for patients over 50 years age.
Supportive treatments:
- Tab. Dolo 650 (Paracetamol 650 mg) 1 tablet 4 times a day.
- Inhaler Budecort (Budesonide 200 mcg) – 1 puff twice a day during acute phase.
- Cap. Flora BC (Lactobacillus, Pyridoxine, Niacinamide, Folic acid) – 1 capsule twice a day after meals.
General advice:
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Regular steam inhalation
- Advice patients to stop smoking
- Promote deep breathing exercises
Investigations:
- Complete blood count – to rule out infection.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – to rule out chronic infection.
- Sputum examination – to rule out infection and antibiotic sensitivity.
- Chest x ray – to rule out pneumonia, tuberculosis.
- Pulmonary function test – to assess the extent of lung dysfunction.
Referrals:
Consider referral to respiratory physician if patient fails to respond to treatment or presents with additional complications.