Skip to content

Content

Home
Patient case
Acute Bronchitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Acute Bronchitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Patient details
Name:
KO
Age:
30
Gender:
Male
Location:
Urban area in Ghana
Occupation:
Taxi driver
Medical History:
Otherwise, healthy, occasional smoker
Patient case fields
Presenting Complaint

KO, a 30-year-old male taxi driver, presents to the local clinic with complaints of persistent cough, productive of yellow-greenish sputum, and mild fever over the past week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 History of Present Illness

KO developed a mild cough and sore throat about ten days ago, which has progressively worsened. He now experiences productive cough with thick, coloured sputum, accompanied by mild chest discomfort and low-grade fever. He denies shortness of breath, chest pain, or haemoptysis. He admits to smoking occasionally but denies any recent changes in smoking habits.

Social and Environmental History

KO lives in a bustling urban area and works long hours as a taxi driver, exposing him to various environmental pollutants and potential respiratory pathogens. Access to healthcare services is available but can be limited in his neighbourhood.

Physical Examination

- General: Appears mildly ill but in no acute distress

- Vitals: BP 120/80 mmHg, HR 85 bpm, RR 18 breaths/min, SpO2 98% on room air, temperature 37.8°C

- Respiratory: Mildly increased breath sounds bilaterally, no wheezes or crackles

- Other Systems: No significant findings

Diagnostic Workup

- Chest X-ray: Clear lung fields, no evidence of consolidation or infiltrates

- Physical Examination: Clinical diagnosis of acute bronchitis based on history and physical findings

 

Diagnosis

Acute Bronchitis, likely viral in aetiology

Management Plan
  1. Symptomatic Treatment:

- Supportive care with rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter cough suppressants if needed.

- Antipyretics for fever control.

  1. Smoking Cessation Counselling: Encourage Kwame to quit smoking or reduce smoking habits to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
  2. Patient Education: Counselling on the self-limiting nature of acute bronchitis, the importance of completing symptomatic treatment, and when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

 

Prognosis

The prognosis for acute bronchitis is generally excellent with supportive care. Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks without complications, though cessation of smoking and prevention of future respiratory infections are crucial.

This case provides an example of the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management considerations for acute bronchitis in a patient from an urban area without the need for antibiotics in sub-Saharan Africa.

Discussion
No data was found
Questions
1. What is the primary symptom that led KO to seek medical attention?

A). Chest pain

B). Shortness of breath

C). Persistent cough with yellow-greenish sputum

D). Headache

 

2. What finding on the chest X-ray was noted in KO, indicative of acute bronchitis?

A). Bilateral lung consolidation

B). Clear lung fields

C). Pleural effusion

D). Pulmonary nodules

3. What is the initial management strategy recommended for KO's acute bronchitis?

A). Corticosteroids

B). Antibiotics

C). Supportive care with rest and hydration

D). Antiviral medications

 

4. What is a crucial aspect of patient education for KO regarding acute bronchitis?

A). Scheduling regular follow-up chest X-rays

B). Continuing smoking as usual

C). Completing a course of antibiotics

D). Understanding the self-limiting nature of the illness and when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen

 

Reveal answers

Answers

  1. C). Persistent cough with yellow-greenish sputum
  2. B). Clear lung fields
  3. C). Supportive care with rest and hydration
  4. D). Understanding the self-limiting nature of the illness and when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen