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Quitting smoking produces a lot of multi-system benefits even after the diagnosis of bronchitis. It improves lung function by inhibiting further damage brought by nicotine to the bronchial mucosa. However, smoking cessation requires tremendous effort and determination. Studies shows only 6% of smokers accomplish successful long-term abstinence. Nicotine patches or gum and an antidepressant such as bupoprion improve the chances of success.
Exposure to other airway irritants and allergens should be avoided. Air filtering systems or air conditioning dust air conditioning may be useful.
Pulmonary hygiene measures, which include adequate fluid intake, effective cough, percussion, and postural drainage, are utilized to facilitate clearance of airway secretions. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential to thin tenacious secretions. Leaning forward and repeatedly “huffing”, with relaxed breathing between huffs is more effective than forceful coughing. Percussion and postural drainage may be necessary if the client is unable to clear secretions by usual means.
Unless contraindicated by your physician because of cardiac disability, a regular exercise program is beneficial in improving exercise tolerance, and preventing worsening of physical condition. A program of regular aerobic exercise (e.g. walking for 20 minutes at least three times weekly) intended to gradually increase exercise tolerance is recommended.
Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain open airways during exhalation. Abdominal breathing relieves the work of accessory muscles of respiration.
For clients with severe and progressive low oxygen blood levels, long-term oxygen therapy is prescribed. Oxygen may be used from time to time, at night, or continuously. However, for severely hypoxemic clients, continuous oxygen is recommended.
The administration of oxygen in clients with COPD is cautioned. In a normal person, elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood serve as a stimulus for the brain to breathe. However in clients with COPD, chronic elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood inhibit this normal stimulus to breathe, leaving only the stimulus of low blood oxygen. If oxygen is administered at high flow rates, this can reduce the remaining stimulus, leading to respiratory insufficiency or arrest.