Introduction
Chronic bronchitis is frequent ongoing swelling of the bronchial tubes, resulting in scaring and over active sputum formation (1). Bronchitis is a subcategory of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease effecting 8.7 million adults, and resulting in 563 deaths in the past year (2). Bronchitis results from and is irritated by pollutant inhalation, harsh chemical inhalation, first and second hand cigarette smoke (1). The signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include, chronic tussis accompanied by expectorated sputum, chest pain, wheezing, lethargy, and a bluish paler to the skin (1). To be sure the ailment is bronchitis other respiratory illnesses are ruled out as possible causes. A physician determines if the illness is bronchitis by performing a physical examination, reviewing patients’ health history, sputum sample, pulmonary function test, and x-rays (1). …show more content…
Sputum samples are collected when sputum is expectorated, or by sucking it up with a nasotracheal (3). Sputum tests are done to eliminate both infection and other respiratory diseases from the possible ailment’s cause (3).
How does the test work?
The sputum that was either suctioned with a nasotracheal or expectorated is sent to a lab for examination and testing.
What information is obtained from the diagnostic test regarding the disease?
During the sputum examination viruses, bacteria, and signs of respiratory diseases like tuberculosis (1).
Does the diagnosis need confirmation with another diagnostic test?
Along with the physical exam and health history, chest x-rays and CT scans to verify scaring and sputum accumulation in the bronchial tubes (1). Blood may also be drawn to test the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood (1). By putting all the diagnostics tests, the physical exam, and health history bronchitis can be positively verified or