Management of Bronchitis with Low Body Temperature and Dry Cough

Initial Assessment and Management of Hypothermia

The American Heart Association recommends beginning active rewarming immediately by moving the patient to a warm environment, removing wet clothing, and wrapping all exposed body surfaces with blankets, clothing, or newspapers 1
The American Heart Association suggests placing the patient near a heat source and applying containers of warm water in contact with the skin for active rewarming 1
The American Heart Association advises monitoring body temperature until normothermia is achieved 1
The American Heart Association recommends ensuring rewarming does not delay definitive care if the hypothermia is severe 1

The American College of Chest Physicians recommends diagnosing acute bronchitis when a patient presents with cough lasting up to 3 weeks, with no clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia, and after ruling out common cold, asthma, or COPD exacerbation 2
The American College of Chest Physicians suggests that the absence of findings such as heart rate >100 beats/min, respiratory rate >24 breaths/min, oral temperature >38°C, and chest examination findings of focal consolidation reduces the likelihood of pneumonia 3

The American College of Chest Physicians recommends antitussive agents for short-term symptomatic relief of coughing 2, 3
The British Thoracic Society suggests avoidance of respiratory irritants, such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants, to help manage dry cough 5, 6
The American College of Chest Physicians recommends against routine use of mucokinetic agents due to lack of consistent favorable effect on cough 2, 3

The American College of Chest Physicians recommends against routine treatment with antibiotics for acute bronchitis, as they provide only minimal benefit while exposing patients to adverse effects 2, 3
The American College of Chest Physicians suggests exceptions for antibiotic use, including suspected pertussis, for which a macrolide antibiotic is recommended 2, 3

The American Heart Association recommends transporting patients with severe hypothermia to an advanced medical facility as rapidly as possible 1
The American Heart Association advises continuing monitoring for signs of respiratory complications or infection as the patient rewarms 1

The British Thoracic Society recommends seeking further medical attention if the patient coughs up blood, experiences breathlessness, or has prolonged fever and feeling unwell 5
The British Thoracic Society suggests seeking further medical attention if symptoms persist for more than three weeks or if the patient has underlying medical conditions such as chronic bronchitis, heart disease, diabetes, or asthma 5