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

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

Lifestyle Modification

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

ID NOW rapid molecular assay an effective COVID-19 test for kids

Rapid COVID-19 testing: Is it as good in kids?

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20 Oct 2021

A large retrospective study from the US, presented at IDWeek 2021, has shown that the Abbott ID NOW rapid molecular COVID-19 assay is highly sensitive and specific at detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in a paediatric population.

Vaccination reduces risks of long-COVID and death

23 Aug 2023

COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the risk of long COVID if given before SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Findings suggest that vaccination before infection confers only partial protection in the post-acute phase of the disease. Hence, reliance on vaccination as a sole mitigation strategy may not optimally reduce long-term health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Current management of nosocomial and community-acquired pneumonia in ICU patients with novel antibiotics

Prof. Andrew Shorr, 27 Aug 2021

Nosocomial pneumonia serves as a paradigm for all severe infections, and appropriate antibiotic therapy is the key determinant of patient outcomes. Most data for the use of antibiotics are derived from studies in non-ICU patients and ignore critical care issues such as fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and changing renal function. Against the backdrop of increasing antimicrobial resistance and the COVID-19 pandemic, how do we optimize antibiotic administration in the ICU? Professor Andrew Shorr from Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC, US discussed this burning issue at a Pfizer-sponsored satellite symposium, held during the Asia Pacific Intensive Care Symposium (APICS) 2021.