In scenario, Maria is a 36-year-old, healthy lady, who presents for evaluation of a cough.
She stated she developed a cold three weeks ago, however has recovered, except for a
cough. She denies any rhinorrhea, rhinitis, or fever. She develops these coughing jags
that are prolonged, very deep, and productive with a lot of green sputum. Maria tried
over the counter cough medications with little relief. The cough keeps her up at night
and gets to the point that she gags and dry heaves. She also complains of a scratchy
throat. Based on these findings I believe Maria is suffering from acute bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis is acute infection or inflammation of the airways or bronchi and is
usually self-limiting (Huether & McCance, 2017). This is an illness that is often
secondary to a viral infection (Kinkade & Long, 2016). She is experiences an
inflammatory response in her bronchi, which causes bronchial edema. Thick and green
mucus is a product of the edema (Huether & McCance, 2017).
Most cases of acute
bronchitis go away on their own. The infection simply has to run its course over several
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- Spring '15
