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Journal Entry on Acute Bronchitis

Respiratory diseases are among the leading contagious conditions. The microorganisms causing these disorders can be transmitted through the air thus important for infected individuals to consider staying away from their close family members and friends until they are healed. Most of these conditions which are not chronic can go away by themselves although there is need to seek medical intervention for the severe symptoms. This paper is a reflection on acute bronchitis and its management

Case Scenario

Simon, a 23-year-old man, presents to the clinic and narrates the following symptoms. For the last two days, he notes intense coughing, running nose, fatigue, and high fever. He further notes that there is mucus when he coughs. Simon is both a student and part-time worker at a nearby restaurant. He resides near the workplace and shares the apartment with his girlfriend. According to Simon, the cough has been worsening for the last two days. He, however, denies taking any medication.

Diagnosis

Based on the presented symptoms, my first diagnosis is acute bronchitis, a condition characterized by a mucus cough referred to as productive (Becker et al., 2015). It usually accompanies the cold and flu symptoms which include running nose, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat. Simon’s fever is 101 degrees F which is one of the characterizing symptoms of the condition. I diagnose the condition through observation and using a stethoscope to listen to the wheezing sounds when Simon coughs. Among the physical conditions I evaluated include the mucus in his cough. There are also signs of sore throat. The results confirm my diagnosis on the condition. As described by Holzinger et al. (2014), acute bronchitis is a viral condition that occurs as a result of inflamed bronchial tubes.

Treatment and Therapy

Although the symptoms of the condition can be mitigated through medication, home care is considered the best intervention (Dempsey et al., 2014). In this regard, I recommend intake of Tylenol (650 mg) after every six hours for fever purposes. However, for acute bronchitis, it is best approached through non-pharmaceutical intervention which includes staying near a humidifier for moisture creation in the air thus loosening the mucus (Gonzales et al., 2013). This will make breathing easy. I also recommend intake of water in plenty as well as other liquids such as tea. This is aimed at thinning out the mucus. I also advise adding ginger to the hot water for drinking which relieves the bronchial tubes that have been inflamed and irritated. To sooth the cough, it was important for Simon to take honey. It was critical to remain at home until the condition subsided while maintaining a healthy diet and hygiene.

Follow-up

Acute Bronchitis is a viral condition that heals by itself with time. However, it has been linked with other conditions such as Pneumonia thus a follow-up is critical. The follow-up entails seeking advanced medical intervention if the cough does not subside after ten days as well as the fever. Simon should return to the clinic for further diagnosis if any symptoms increase in severity.  

Goals and Objectives

This practice was important in developing a home care management plan for a condition that does not necessary require medication. The practice was also critical in transforming the theoretical framework into actual clinical practice and enhancing the patient’s welfare. Another goal was successful evaluation and development of management plan for a respiratory condition.

In conclusion, respiratory conditions are considered irritating to one’s comfort and highly contagious. An example is acute bronchitis which is defined as the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The above discussion is a reflection of this condition which is identified with a productive mucus cough and fever as major symptoms. Besides the medication for fever, the condition is addressed through home care which involves taking plenty of water, being near a humidifier and adding ginger in hot water. However, if the symptoms worsen, it is recommended the patient returns to the clinic for further evaluation.