Bronchitis%20-%20chronic%20in%20acute%20exacerbation Patient Education

• Educate patient about the nature of the chronic bronchitis (the progressive nature and its potential impact on future lifestyle and function)
• Review with the patient the signs of onset of infection (eg increased purulence, viscosity or volume of secretions) that should be treated early
• Discuss measures that may limit the spread of viral infections (eg hand washing)
• Encourage patients to exercise regularly
  • Although not accompanied by measurable improvement in lung function, it will increase exercise tolerance and improve the patient’s sense of well-being

Smoking Cessation

• A discussion of smoking behavior and the setting of a specific cessation date should be part of every physician-patient encounter
  • Cigarette smoking is a predominant cause of chronic bronchitis
• Patients presenting with AECB should be encouraged to stop smoking since it is the most effective way to reduce the risk of future morbidity from chronic bronchitis
  • Nicotine replacement and pharmacotherapy can increase long-term smoking abstinence rates
• It can lead to dramatic symptomatic benefits for patients with chronic bronchitis eg stopping cough in 94-100%; when coughing stops, it can occur in as quickly as 4 weeks in 54% of patients

Reduction/Elimination of Irritants

• Reduction or elimination of any source of irritants that may worsen lower airway inflammation
  • Includes environmental pollutants (eg dust, pollutants and second-hand smoke) and occupational irritants