Case Study Bronchiolitis

Acute bronchitis is one of the five top reasons to seek medical care in the United States. The incidence of acute bronchitis is typically higher in fall and winter season, accounting for 82% of the cases (Fayyaz, 2014). It affects full spectrum of population including any age group, gender and demographics. The incidence of acute bronchitis accounts for 36 million office visits annually (Blush, 2013). Although it can be seen in variety of patients, children tend to get acute bronchitis as many 6 times a year where as adults acquire about two to four on average every year (Blush, 2013). These

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs. The thin mucus lining of these airways can become irritated and swollen; the cells that make up the lining may leak fluids in response to the inflammation. Bronchitis most often occurs during the cold and flu season usually coupled with an upper respiratory infection. Bronchitis can be divided into two categories: acute or chronic each of which has distinct etiologies, pathologies, and therapies. I chose this condition because it seemed like an interesting topic to research on, and I am also interested in learning more

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has a seasonal and yearly incidence, usually between November and April. It is responsible for high infant morbidity and mortality worldwide.. By the first year of life, 60% of children are infected, and almost 100% are infected by 2 years of age. (Saso,&Kampmann,2016). The more common age for hospitalizations occur between 2-3 months of age, and is the leading cause of infants being hospitalized in the developed world, accounting for 2 % of admissions during the winter season. (geerdink,Pillay,Meyalard,2015). The natural RSV infection in those younger than 6 months does not adequately develop a long-lasting immunological response, making reoccurrence of infection likely to reoccur. RSV is an infection that causes cold-like illness that can also cause otitis media, rhinitis, bronchitis, croup, and, pneumonia. Although RSV can cause different reactions, Bronchiolitis is the most common form of occurrence in the pediatric population. This virus is very caustic to the respiratory lining for vulnerable infants, that it increases the risk for respiratory diseases in later years of childhood.

What are the uses of drugs used to treat lower respiratory tract disorders: sympathomimetics, anticholinergics, inhaled steroids, lung surfactants, and mast cell stabilizers?

Dimich-Ward, Helen, PhD; Michelle Lee Wymer, BSc; and Moira Chan-Yeung, MB. “Respiratory Health Survey of Respiratory Therapists” CHEST; Oct2004, Vol. 126 Issue 4, p1048-1053,

Chronic bronchitis is caused by inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. These tubes carry oxygen to and from the alveoli of the lungs.

38. American Journal of Respiratory care and critical care Medicine, Volume 175, issue 7, pages 698 – 704

By entering the field of respiratory therapy, one is entering a growing field of opportunity. There are continually emergent job opportunities in this field whereas there is also a rise of growth in the technology and developments in the field such as medicines, techniques, and other aspects.

Mr. Joseph is a 56-year-old has 30 smoking pack years. He was diagnosed 10 years ago with asthma/chronic bronchitis, arthritis of the knees, and congestive heart failure (CHF). Mr. Joseph weighs 350 pounds with a height of 6 feet, making his body mass index (BMI) of 47.5, much more than the recommended 25, and in fact his BMI places him in the morbid obesity classification. He takes medicines for his pulmonary conditions, along with a diuretic.

Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory infection caused commonly by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the first two years of life. Nearly every child in the United States will be infected with RSV before its second birthday. The condition is a leading cause of hospital admissions among children under the age of two. The populations most frequently and severely affected by bronchiolitis include; infants less than 12 months of age, children born at a low gestational age (less than 32 weeks), and children with chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, or immunodeficiency. Standardized and proper diagnosis and management are essential to effective treatment. The guideline established by the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2014 provides practitioners with recommendations for diagnosis, management, and prevention of bronchiolitis in children.

J., Cormier, S., & Meyer, T. (2012). Reduction in the Incidence of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Respiratory Care, 57(5). 688-696. DOI: 10.4187/respcare.01392

In this essay I will explore the evidence based care of the patient in the above case. It will outline the assessment of an infant with acute bronchiolitis using a suitable framework to determine the appropriate therapeutic intervention. The pathophysiology associated with deterioration and the impact of communication between the family and multi disciplinary team will be explored. This essay will to focus on the initial stages of Joe’s care in the first hour of his admission to the children’s assessment unit.

Bronchiolitis is defined by the textbook as, “a diffuse, inflammatory obstruction in the small airways or bronchioles occurring most commonly in children” (Heuther & McCance, 2012). It is an acute inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract that occurs most commonly in infants and is caused by infection with seasonal viruses such as respiratory synctial virus (RSV) (Zorc & Hall, 2010). Bronchiolitis often results from an obstruction of the small airways. It is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States (Zorc & Hall 2010) and is arguably the most common significant medical illness of childhood, with at least “1 in 7 normal infants developing symptomatic bronchiolitis in his or her first year of

Blood gas analysis may be performed to determine if high concentration oxygen therapy is needed (Bush & Thomson, 2007). The management of fever would be a part of care plan when the infant is febrile due to infection (Axton & Fugate 2009).

Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs most commonly caused by a bacteria or virus. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling vomit or other foreign substances. In all cases, the lungs' air sacs fill with pus , mucous, and other liquids and cannot function properly. This means oxygen cannot reach the blood and the cells of the body.