1. The importance of knowing the health problem Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial duct due to infection. The bronchus is a channel that allows
air to enter and exit the lungs. People with bronchitis often experience thickened mucus coughing, which
can change color. There are two types of bronchitis:

• Acute bronchitis is a short-term infection that causes the airways in the lungs to swell and fill with
mucus. The acute type often lasts for several weeks.

• Chronic bronchitis is a persistent irritation in the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. Chronic
bronchitis can last for months or years. Chronic bronchitis is far more severe than acute bronchitis.

Signs & symptoms

Common symptoms of this condition are:

• Cough

• Phlegm cough, which may mix with blood

• Short breath

• Chest pain

Other symptoms of bronchitis

• Cough with or without phlegm. Usually the phlegm released is clear, greenish, and yellowish.

• Continuous coughing.

• Colds.

• Low fever with a temperature of around 37.7 to 38.8 degrees Celsius.

• The body feels cold (feverish).

• Pain in the whole body.

• Symptoms of bronchitis will persist as long as the infection is still in the body.

Causes of bronchitis

Common causes of bronchitis are viruses that also cause ARI, one of which is the flu virus. This virus is
usually contained and spread through sputum splashes from people suffering from bronchitis. Sputum can
float in the air for a while, or stick to the surface of an object and survive for up to 1 day. When it has
entered the body, either due to inhalation or ingestion, the virus will attack the cells of the bronchial tubes
and eventually cause inflammation.

There are also several factors that can increase a person's risk of suffering from bronchitis, namely:
• Smoking or becoming passive smoker.

• Not receiving influenza or pneumonia vaccines.

• Often exposed to harmful substances, such as dust, ammonia, or chlorine when working or doing daily
activities.

• Aged under 5 years or more than 40 years.

• Has a weak immune system.

• Suffers from other conditions, such as gastric acid reflux (GERD).

2. How to conduct the diagnose Bronchitis?

Diagnosis begins with an examination of the symptoms that appear, the risk factors that exist, and the
patient's overall health history. During the initial examination, the doctor will also observe the lung
condition using a stethoscope when the patient is breathing.

After that, the examination will proceed with a series of tests. Some tests commonly used to diagnose
bronchitis include:

• Examination of oxygen levels in the blood. In this test, the doctor uses a tool in the form of a special
sensor that is attached to the finger.

• Blood test.

• Chest radiograph, to detect conditions that cause coughing.

• Pulmonary function tests. This test uses a tool in the form of a tube / hose called a spirometer. In the
process, the doctor instructs the patient to breathe in and blow his breath on the spirometer. The data
received and analyzed by the spirometer will show the patient's lung function.

Doctors can also do sputum or phlegm examinations. Patients are encouraged to discuss further with the
doctor regarding the benefits and risks of the diagnostic procedure to be used.

3. How to report the diagnose?

From the signs and symptoms that exist, nurses can convey to patients or families related to bronchitis.
then the nurse explains the risk factors of bronchitis, such as smokers, a weakened immune system,
exposure to chemicals at work, and age. then the nurse explained how to treat patients affected by
bronchitis at home, such as avoiding contact with air impurities such as cigarette smoke, using a room
moisturizer, and using a mask if traveling out of the house.