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Is it possible to drink alcohol

Among the traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of bronchitis there are tinctures made with alcohol. However, official medicine categorically prohibits drinking alcohol for this disease. Alcohol is quickly absorbed in the intestines and distributed throughout the body. Released through the respiratory tract, it irritates the bronchi, and as a result, the inflammatory process only intensifies.

Alcohol reduces the overall immunity of the body, causes damage to the bronchial mucosa, disrupting their cleansing function. In addition, when taken simultaneously with antibiotics, alcohol can provoke the accumulation of acetaldehyde and cause intoxication. Alcohol abuse in this case can even lead to death.

Is it possible to smoke

It’s not just impossible to smoke with bronchitis - in most cases, this bad habit is the cause of the disease. Continuing to use tobacco means putting yourself at risk of death.

At first, heavy smokers do not even notice the symptoms of developing bronchitis. They get used to a regular morning cough, although it is precisely the first sign of illness.

This cough develops gradually, but since patients do not rush to see a doctor, changes in the bronchi manage to become irreversible. If a person continues to smoke, the cough intensifies and sputum begins to be produced, due to which the disease becomes chronic.

Lung functions are even more impaired if the smoker takes frequent and deep puffs, chooses cigarettes without a filter, or leaves them in the mouth for a long time. A bad habit contributes to the appearance of symptoms such as:

• dyspnea;
• increased cough;
• increased amount of sputum produced;
• its coloring is green or yellow;
• elevated temperature;
• chills.

Moreover, bronchitis is provoked not only by active, but also by passive smoking, to which children are often exposed. Therefore, if a disease occurs, tobacco smoke should be completely eliminated from a person’s life.

Is it possible to go to the bathhouse?

The answer to this question is clear: yes. It is impossible to cure bronchitis in this way, but it is possible to prevent its development.

The bath has a beneficial effect on the body: strengthens the immune system, removes waste and toxins, improves metabolic processes. It has been noticed that people who like to steam are less likely to suffer from colds, and, in particular, bronchitis. Therefore, the bath is an excellent means of prevention. But if bronchitis has already developed, the steam room can only slightly alleviate the symptoms.

Despite all the advantages of a bath, it has contraindications. You can't steam:

1. At temperatures above 37 degrees.
2. With high blood pressure.
3. For rheumatism.
4. Children under 3 years old.
5. Cancer patients.
6. People who have experienced heart attacks and strokes.
7. Patients with epilepsy.

Is it possible to go for a walk?

Walking is part of general therapy for bronchitis, and some doctors even express the opinion that this is the best way to combat the disease. Fresh air has a positive effect on the immune system, saturates the lungs with oxygen and strengthens them, and helps normalize the general condition of the patient.

Initially, the patient is recommended to walk at a slow pace for 10-15 minutes a day. As the condition improves, walks should become longer with faster pace, until a person can walk quickly for half an hour or more.

Also, you should not take a walk if you have a dry cough. It can be dangerous to others, and weather conditions such as rain, wind, and summer heat will only intensify this symptom. If you need to go outside, it is recommended to wear a mask so as not to infect anyone.

Is it possible to get infected from a sick person?

You can get bronchitis from a patient, but not necessarily bronchitis. The fact is that it often develops against the background of another disease that is viral or bacterial in nature. These viruses or bacteria are what a person will catch if they become infected. Whether an inflammatory process in the bronchi will eventually develop depends only on the individual characteristics of a particular organism.

Is it possible to recover without antibiotics?

Theoretically, the body is able to overcome the virus on its own, so treatment of bronchitis can be carried out without the use of antibiotics, which often happens. The main goal of therapy is to suppress complications and stimulate the immune system. Patients are given 3 recommendations:

1. Drink plenty of fluids.
2. Ventilate the room, maintaining cool air in it.
3. Take expectorant syrups.

These simple steps prevent the mucous membrane from drying out and remove accumulated mucus from the bronchi.

However, the decision to take antibiotics still remains with the doctor. If the patient does not have a runny nose, although all other signs of bronchitis are present, it will not be possible to do without medication. Antibiotics are also necessary for high fever and severe congestion in the respiratory tract.

Is it possible to do inhalations

Inhalations are a very common method of treating bronchitis, and they are useful for this disease. However, there are contraindications for these procedures:

1. High body temperature.
2. Heart and respiratory failure.
3. Hypersensitivity to substances contained in drugs.
4. For allergic bronchitis, essential oils and herbs should not be used.
5. For bronchial asthma, only inhalations with bronchodilators are allowed.

Is it possible to bet banks?

Just 10 years ago, cupping was widely used in the treatment of bronchitis and, in general, any inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. However, doctors now have different opinions about the effectiveness of this method.

Some experts insist on its uselessness. Others allow the use of pneumatic cups, which provide an effective vacuum massage and a rush of blood to certain areas of the body. As a result of improved blood microcirculation, biologically active substances are released and metabolic processes are improved.

However, the contraindications for cupping are the same:

• age up to 12 years;
• temperature above 37.5 degrees;
• mental disorders;
• general exhaustion;
• skin diseases;
• increased nervous excitability.

• improper treatment;
• untimely assistance;
• changes in the structure of bronchial tissues.

Some people wonder: can you die from bronchitis? The fact is that this disease itself is not so dangerous, but the consequences of improper treatment can be fatal. Due to the constant action of the chronic type, dangerous diseases arise. Complications of acute bronchitis also pose a danger to the body. They primarily affect the trachea and lungs. Remember that not only the respiratory tract organs can be damaged, but also the body as a whole.

The sooner a doctor diagnoses bronchitis, the more likely it is to avoid complications. After diagnosis, the doctor determines the stage of the disease and begins treatment.

1. Incorrect diagnosis and self-medication with inappropriate medications.
2. An untreated disease.
3. Failure to comply with medical recommendations and prescriptions.
4. There are hereditary and chronic respiratory diseases.
5. Some diseases are chronic.
6. The disease is severe in infants and the elderly.
7. Polluted environment.
8. Smoking.

In order for bronchitis to pass without consequences and not develop into pneumonia, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor when the first symptoms occur. It is important to immediately begin to observe bed rest, and therefore it is recommended to call a doctor at home.

Complications of bronchitis can take different forms.

• pneumonia;
• bronchopneumonia;
• transition to a purulent form;
• emphysema;
• asthmatic syndrome;
• asthma of bronchial type.

1. High temperature and chills.
2. Severe wet cough. When listening, wheezing is heard.
3. Dyspnea.
4. Pain in the chest area when inhaling and exhaling.

With bronchitis with complications, severe intoxication of the body is observed.

The most common and dangerous complication of bronchitis is pneumonia. X-ray shows strong changes in the lung tissue. It is important to cope with the disease in time to prevent the disease from becoming chronic.

If bronchitis is not treated, it becomes acute, which is very dangerous for the child. Severe consequences can be caused by abnormalities such as immunodeficiency, anomalies and pathologies in the respiratory tract system.

Chronic bronchitis and the complications caused by it are difficult and can make the baby dependent on taking medications, the need for procedures and treatment in sanatoriums. Therefore, as soon as you suspect that your child has bronchitis, immediately contact your pediatrician.

A child should not be allowed to develop pneumonia. Little ones suffer from pneumonia much more severely. Sputum penetrating into the lungs can seriously damage the baby’s health.

Acute bronchitis often provokes in a child the development of ailments such as laryngitis, severe rhinitis or tracheitis. Complications of acute bronchitis are dangerous due to the development of bronchiolitis.

• respiratory failure;
• the hemodynamic process is disrupted;
• the mucous membrane swells;
• emphysema is observed;
• hypoxemia appears.

With bronchitis in adults, a complication occurs in the form of a focal form of pneumonia.

1. High temperature and chills.
2. Weakness and fatigue from exerting the slightest effort.
3. Dry cough.
4. Moist cough.
5. Severe headaches and dizziness.
6. Shortness of breath and chest pain.

The development of complications of bronchitis in adults is rarely accompanied by bronchopneumonia. As a rule, this happens if the patient already has diseases associated with immunodeficiency, some organ pathologies or cancer.

Asthmatic syndrome can become a serious and dangerous consequence of bronchitis if you do not resort to treatment in time. It often manifests itself if the disease was initially viral or allergic in nature. This syndrome is characterized by difficulty breathing, which develops into a severe attack of suffocation. To get rid of it, immediate help is needed. It is necessary to treat this problem because as a result of a long attack of suffocation you can die. Otherwise, in the absence of proper treatment, the syndrome turns into bronchial asthma.

Complications from bronchitis can lead to a life-threatening disease such as bronchial asthma.

1. At night, asthma attacks are more common than during the day.
2. A lot of phlegm is produced, which makes breathing difficult.
3. Severe attacks accompanied by heart problems.

Many patients successfully cured asthma if they used complex therapy at the initial stage. Yes, the treatment takes a long time, approximately 5 months, but there is a high chance of success.

Most often, bronchitis has complications in the form of pneumonia. Dry and wet cough, fever, rhinitis, pain in the chest area - if you notice these symptoms, you should be alarmed and urgently seek medical help.

It is quite possible to die from pneumonia if you do not seek help in time! Qualified treatment is only possible in a hospital setting, especially if the body is already weakened by bronchitis.

What happens if you ignore chronic bronchitis? A disease develops - pulmonary emphysema. As the alveoli lose their elasticity, air pressure in this area increases. As a result, the alveoli become denser and breathing worsens. The lung tissue swells and can no longer provide the required level of contraction and expansion during breathing. As a result, there is a disruption of the gas exchange process in the lung area. Treatment of this disease requires hospitalization.

Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial mucosa) is one of the most common pathologies of the respiratory system. The disease can occur in acute or chronic form. With proper treatment, acute bronchitis goes away in 10-12 days, but in the chronic version, an obsessive cough can torment the patient for several months.

Despite the fact that the disease is well studied, there are many myths regarding its treatment and origin. Let's look at the most famous ones.

Source: depositphotos.com

Bronchitis is not contagious

Apparently, the statement is due to the fact that bronchitis often occurs after an acute respiratory infection, and many believe that infection with the causative agent of the “main” disease is no longer possible, and cough (the main symptom of bronchitis) is something like a residual phenomenon. Actually this is not true. As a rule, bronchitis develops as a result of a viral or bacterial infection that enters the body through airborne droplets. Vivid symptoms appear 5–10 days after infection, but a coughing patient is already spreading the pathogen. That is why you should avoid close contact with a person suffering from bronchitis, do not use his dishes and towels, and ventilate the room where he is as often as possible.

Bronchitis develops due to prolonged runny nose

The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract of every person is inhabited by many opportunistic microorganisms. With a normally functioning immune system, their vital activity is suppressed, and the development of diseases does not occur. If immunity is reduced, microorganisms are activated. They can multiply in the nasal cavities, causing a runny nose, or in the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Thus, a prolonged runny nose is not the cause of bronchitis, but can lead to a decrease in immunity, which will facilitate the development of other diseases, possibly bronchitis.

Expectorants prevent the development of the disease

Expectorants (including herbal ones) are ineffective for preventing diseases. They are designed to facilitate the removal of sputum during a wet cough.

The initial stage of bronchitis is characterized by a dry, exhausting cough that gets worse at night. Taking expectorants in such a situation is not only useless, but can also worsen the condition. After a few days, the patient’s body temperature rises and the cough becomes wet; In this case, taking expectorant medications may be advisable, but they must be prescribed by a doctor.

Water treatments for bronchitis are contraindicated

Taking a shower during bronchitis is not only possible, but necessary; Elevated body temperature should not be a reason to refuse water procedures. The disease is accompanied by increased sweating, and cleansing the skin of toxins released through sweat alleviates the patient's condition and promotes his recovery.

The water in the shower should not be hot. After the procedures, you need to wipe yourself dry and go to bed. The room needs to be ventilated and made sure there are no drafts. Under such conditions, a shower will be of great benefit.

Bronchitis can only be treated with antibiotics

In most cases, acute bronchitis develops due to infection with viruses (influenza, rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.). Antibiotics are powerless against them. In addition, there are types of disease caused by bronchospasm (so-called obstructive bronchitis), which is caused by aggressive agents, which can be not only viruses, but also allergens.

Antibiotics are used only in cases where a bacterial infection is suspected. In any case, all medications for a patient with bronchitis should be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication in such a situation can lead to very undesirable consequences.

People who share misconceptions about bronchitis risk their health. Particularly dangerous is the widespread belief that a long-term “residual” cough after an acute respiratory illness does not require treatment. Advanced bronchitis can cause pneumonia, emphysema, bronchial asthma, pulmonary hypertension and bronchial obstruction.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

There is an opinion among the population that bronchitis is a cold. Recently, scientists categorically disagree with this. Cold air itself does not cause illness. If this were so, then the peoples of Chukotka and the Far North should all suffer from colds.

According to statistics, the percentage of bronchitis diseases in autumn and spring is approximately the same in Australia, Finland, and Great Britain. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the human pulmonary system, in particular the bronchi, does not tolerate sharp fluctuations in temperature and air humidity.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the bronchial mucosa.

The bronchial system is a branched network of alveolar processes (bronchioles, alveoli), through which air is delivered to the pulmonary system, and from there oxygen enters the blood.

As the inflammatory process develops, mucus accumulates in the bronchi, making it difficult to deliver air to the lungs.

What causes bronchitis?

The main cause of bronchitis is a virus or microbe. Therefore, the peak of the disease occurs in the autumn and spring.

In addition, the occurrence of the disease contributes to:

• infectious foci in the body;
• allergic factor (prolonged contact with various allergens: dust, tobacco smoke, fumes);
• low body resistance to disease;
• chronic pathologies of the pulmonary system;
• tuberculosis;
• bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci);
• hypothermia of the body.

In most cases, bronchitis has a mixed form. Therefore, treatment must be comprehensive until complete recovery.

What is bronchitis?

There is primary bronchitis. It develops as an independent disease. No pathology from other organs is observed. Secondary bronchitis is considered by the doctor as a complication against the background of the underlying disease (acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, ENT diseases).

According to the flow there are:

1. , which occurs against the background of infectious, viral diseases and with proper therapy is completely cured in 1 month.
2. , which appears if acute bronchi are treated incorrectly or insufficiently. It is protracted and leads to complications.

Depending on the cause, the disease is classified as follows:

As a separate species, it exists. Occurs in a mixed form. The cause of the disease is viruses, bacteria, unfavorable environmental factors (tobacco smoke, industrial emissions into the atmosphere), and constant inhalation of polluted air in the workplace. At risk are workers at chemical plants, hot shops, miners, and allergy sufferers.

Let's take a closer look at each variety.

Allergic

It is one of the manifestations of allergies. Based on its symptoms, the disease is often confused with bronchial asthma. Only a doctor can make a final diagnosis. The disease manifests itself as follows:

• dry cough, mainly in the second half of the night;
• there is a relationship between the occurrence of the disease and contact with the suspected allergen (dust, animal hair, tobacco smoke, plant pollen);
• sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge may occur;
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing;
• wheezing sounds are heard in the lungs, which can be heard without a phonendoscope.

The condition of other organs is unchanged, blood and urine tests are within normal limits.

Tuberculous

It is detected by the presence of Koch's bacillus in the body. In most cases, it occurs against the background of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Has typical symptoms:

• “barking” cough that gets worse when lying down;
• shortness of breath when walking and at rest;
• burning sensation, painful sensations behind the sternum and between the shoulder blades;
• viscous, difficult to clear sputum, often mixed with blood;
• general malaise, weakness, fatigue;
• no increase in body temperature is observed.

Most symptoms of the disease are similar to ordinary bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to dangerous complications.

Viral

This type of bronchitis occurs as a result of the virus entering the upper respiratory tract. Having established itself on the mucous membrane, it begins to multiply vigorously, enters the bronchi, and causes an inflammatory process. To become infected, it is enough to talk to a sick person. The virus is transmitted through the air with saliva particles.

Recognized by the following characteristics:

• sudden increase in body temperature, often above 38 °C;
• muscle pain, headaches;
• discomfort in the chest;
• a dry, strong cough, which after a few days is replaced by a wet cough with difficult to expectorate yellowish sputum;
• general weakness;
• shortness of breath when walking;
• breathing is difficult; when listening to the lungs, whistling and wheezing are noted.

Depending on the strain of the virus and the state of the immune system, the disease can occur in mild, moderate, or severe form.

Toxic-chemical

This type of bronchitis is also called “professional”. The cause of the disease is dust particles and chemical compounds in the air in plants, enterprises, and factories. Occupational bronchitis has three stages of development:

1st stage:

• Shortness of breath appears only after physical activity.
• The cough is dry, rare, with a small amount of sputum.
• Sometimes dry wheezing is heard.
• General condition is satisfactory.

2nd stage:

• Frequent, paroxysmal dry cough.
• Shortness of breath even after light exertion.
• Sputum is difficult to clear, and during exacerbation it is purulent in nature.
• A chest x-ray shows changes in the pattern of the bronchial tree.
• Periodic seasonal exacerbations.

3rd stage:

• A wet cough with the discharge of large amounts of sputum occurs at any time of the day.
• Shortness of breath remains even at rest.
• Asthmatic syndrome is observed.
• X-ray shows changes in the lungs.
• Disturbances in the functioning of the heart and lungs are recorded.
• The patient feels constant weakness, fatigue, and a significant decrease in performance.
• Throughout the year, there are repeated exacerbations of the disease with a severe course.

The constant penetration of dust particles into the bronchi is the main catalyst for toxic-chemical bronchitis.

Bacterial

Often the cause of bacterial bronchitis is a history of chronic tonsillitis.

Signs of bronchitis:

• weakness, aches throughout the body;
• nausea;
• headache;
• low-grade fever (not always);
• frequent cough, especially at night;
• Difficult to separate greenish sputum with an unpleasant odor.

The condition of other organs and systems remains unchanged.

Fungal

Main symptoms of the disease:

• a sharp increase in temperature to high numbers;
• pain behind the sternum of a stabbing nature;
• long-lasting dry cough, gradually turning into a wet cough;
• sputum is difficult to clear, purulent in nature;
• malaise, constant feeling of fatigue.

Fungal bronchitis is more common in patients with AIDS.

Obstructive

A disease in which there is a violation of pulmonary ventilation, obstruction of the respiratory tract. In the development of obstructive bronchitis, acute and chronic forms of the disease are distinguished. The acute form most often occurs in young children. Chronic is diagnosed in the adult population.

Signs of acute bronchitis:

• Headache, weakness.
• Dyspnea. When a child inhales, the muscles of the neck, upper shoulder girdle, and abdomen are involved. During breathing, the wings of the nose inflate.
• The wheezing is dry, whistling, and can be easily audible without a phonendoscope.
• The cough is dry, worsening at night.
• Body temperature is slightly elevated - 37…37.5 °C.

The cause of acute bronchitis can be a common cold. Bronchitis often occurs with signs of intoxication (nausea, diarrhea, fever). In this case, the child must exclude the possibility of infectious diseases.

Signs of chronic bronchitis:

• general condition is satisfactory;
• wet cough, worse in the morning;
• sputum is mucous, purulent in nature, separated with difficulty, in small portions;
• wheezing wheezing, audible at a distance;
• shortness of breath - its severity varies widely and depends on the severity of the disease.

In the chronic form of bronchitis, there are three degrees of respiratory failure, which are determined using spirometry. Treatment of chronic bronchitis in adults can take several months.

Diagnostics

If you feel unwell, you cannot bear the disease on your feet and hope that it will go away on its own.

When should you see a doctor?

At the first signs of the disease, you must immediately see a specialist. Symptoms such as chills, shortness of breath, hacking cough, severe weakness should alert you and be a serious incentive to visit a doctor.

If your child is sick, you need to call a doctor at home. A trip to the clinic or a queue for an appointment can become an impetus for a child’s condition to worsen.

Which doctor should I contact if I have bronchitis?

The sick child will be treated by a pediatrician. An adult must make an appointment with a local physician for an initial appointment. In the future, the patient may be referred for consultation to a pulmonologist. It all depends on the effectiveness of the treatment and the general condition of the patient.

To make an accurate diagnosis, monitor the treatment process, and correctly prescribe therapy, a complex of diagnostic and treatment studies are carried out.

1. X-ray of the lungs helps identify possible diseases and changes in the lungs.
2. Bronchoscopy makes it possible to examine the bronchi from the inside and take a sputum sample for examination.
3. Spirometry is needed to determine the severity of bronchitis and the presence of respiratory failure.
4. A general blood test, urine test, and biochemical blood test make it possible to monitor the condition of the body and adjust treatment.
5. Sputum analysis allows you to exclude diseases such as oncology, tuberculosis, pneumonia.
6. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is prescribed to exclude diseases of the cardiovascular system and monitor heart function during treatment.

The doctor selects medications individually, depending on age, course of the disease, and the presence of contraindications.

Treatment of children

In childhood, bronchitis is more severe than in adults. This is due to weak muscles and an underdeveloped immune system. The baby simply does not know how to properly expectorate mucus, and this significantly reduces the ability of the bronchi to clear its accumulation.

Prescribing antibiotics to a child is indicated only as a last resort.

Let your baby drink more (tea, fruit drink, juice). Drinking plenty of fluids speeds up the removal of mucus.

If the temperature rises, give antipyretic syrup.

The room must be wet cleaned and ventilated daily. Remember that the disease loves dryness and heat.

A small patient should not be given expectorants or inhalations during an exacerbation. The baby, unable to cough up mucus, will simply choke on it.

Treatment of adolescents

In adolescence, a child does not always pay attention to the first signs of illness. He leads an ordinary life, hoping that everything will go away on its own. Therefore, adults should be attentive to changes in the child's behavior. At the first signs of the disease, you must insist on consulting a pediatrician.

Medicines for adolescents are prescribed according to age.

Control over treatment rests entirely with adults. Usually, at the first signs of improvement, teenagers try to avoid taking medical procedures. Adults are responsible for ensuring that the therapeutic course is completed in full, until complete recovery.

Treatment of pregnant women

Bronchitis during pregnancy poses a threat to the woman and the fetus developing in the womb. Respiratory failure affects the well-being of the expectant mother, creates a threat of oxygen hypoxia, and stops the development of the child.

The prescription of antibiotics, potent, hormonal drugs to the expectant mother is carried out only in extreme cases. Most medications are contraindicated for pregnant women, so the doctor prescribes herbal infusions (chest collection), herbal cough syrup (Sinupret, ""), inhalations, and drinking plenty of fluids.

As a last resort, you can prescribe (Amoxicillin).

Treatment of the elderly

Bronchitis for older people is a serious challenge. The condition of organs and systems is far from ideal. There is a senile “bouquet of diseases”. In the process of treating bronchitis, it is necessary to stop exacerbations of existing ailments.

Therefore, when prescribing therapy for older people, the doctor must carefully monitor the compatibility of the prescribed medications.

Treatment methods

At the first signs of illness, consult a physician. After the examination, you will be given directions for examination, consultation with specialists, and treatment will be prescribed, which includes medications, inhalations, massage, diet, physiotherapy, and herbal medicine.

Medications

For a quick recovery, comprehensive treatment is necessary:

• antibiotics (amoxiclav, cefotaxime, azithromycin);
• anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, dexamethasone);
• mucolytics (bromhexine, ACC, ambroxol);
• expectorants (ascoril, acetylcysteine);
• bronchodilators (theotard, salbutamol, aminophylline);
• antiviral (rimantadine, cycloferon);
• antitussives (berodual, broncholitin);
• vitamin complexes.

When taking each medicine, you must adhere to the correct dosage and method of application.

Folk remedies

There are many recipes, choose according to your tastes. Don't forget about contraindications.

Complications

With a long course of the disease, serious changes occur in the lungs and bronchi. The mucous membrane changes its structure as a result of constant inflammation. This leads to complications. The reasons are usually:

• incorrect diagnosis;
• self-medication, uncontrolled use of antibiotics;
• incomplete course of therapy;
• age - in old people and infants the disease is more severe;
• a history of other chronic diseases;
• low immunity;
• smoking and alcohol abuse.

Let's look at the most common consequences.

Asthma

Most often it manifests itself as allergic (with long-term use of antibiotics), bronchial (with deep damage to the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree). The main symptoms are shortness of breath and asthma attacks, which can only be relieved with special medications. If you have asthma, you should use medications with caution and, in case of contraindications, you should replace them with analogues.

Emphysema

May occur in patients with chronic bronchitis. With this disease, gas exchange is disrupted. Air begins to accumulate in the lungs, the appearance of numerous air sacs leads to swelling of the lung tissue. The patient develops shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin, and a feeling of lack of air. With this complication, urgent hospitalization is indicated.

Bronchopneumonia

Bronchitis causes inflammation of the lungs. The danger lies in the inability to control the inflammatory process. With low immunity and a weakened body, death is possible.

In children, complications of bronchitis lead to lifelong medication, the need to undergo rehabilitation in a sanatorium several times a year, and limitation of physical activity.

Prevention

To prevent relapses of the disease and possible complications, a number of preventive measures are indicated aimed at strengthening the body and the ability to withstand pathogenic factors.

Preventive measures include:

• giving up bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
• strengthening the body’s immune system: systematic hardening, playing sports, drinking herbal infusions, oxygen cocktails, frequent walks in the fresh air, in the forest, in the park;
• timely treatment of diseases;
• diet. Try to eat food systematically, at the same time. Avoid smoked meats, fatty, spicy, fried foods that are heavy on the stomach. Try to introduce fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and seafood into your diet;
• constant air humidity in your home. Avoid dry air (especially in winter). Do wet cleaning in the rooms every day, control the humidity using a barometer;
• inadmissibility of hypothermia. Dress appropriately for the weather.

During the season of mass outbreaks of colds, try not to appear in crowded places.

Remember that disease is easier to prevent than to cure.

is a diffuse inflammatory disease of the bronchi, affecting the mucous membrane or the entire thickness of the bronchial wall. Damage and inflammation of the bronchial tree can occur as an independent, isolated process (primary bronchitis) or develop as a complication against the background of existing chronic diseases and past infections (secondary bronchitis). Damage to the mucous epithelium of the bronchi disrupts the production of secretions, the motor activity of the cilia and the process of cleansing the bronchi. There are acute and chronic bronchitis, which differ in etiology, pathogenesis and treatment.

ICD-10

J20 J40 J41 J42

General information

Bronchitis is a diffuse inflammatory disease of the bronchi, affecting the mucous membrane or the entire thickness of the bronchial wall. Damage and inflammation of the bronchial tree can occur as an independent, isolated process (primary bronchitis) or develop as a complication against the background of existing chronic diseases and past infections (secondary bronchitis). Damage to the mucous epithelium of the bronchi disrupts the production of secretions, the motor activity of the cilia and the process of cleansing the bronchi. There are acute and chronic bronchitis, which differ in etiology, pathogenesis and treatment.

Acute bronchitis

The acute course of bronchitis is characteristic of many acute respiratory infections (ARVI, acute respiratory infections). The most common causes of acute bronchitis are parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, less often - influenza virus, measles, enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, mycoplasma, chlamydia and mixed viral-bacterial infections. Acute bronchitis is rarely of a bacterial nature (pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, whooping cough pathogen). The inflammatory process first affects the nasopharynx, tonsils, trachea, gradually spreading to the lower respiratory tract - the bronchi.

A viral infection can provoke the proliferation of opportunistic microflora, exacerbating catarrhal and infiltrative changes in the mucosa. The upper layers of the bronchial wall are affected: hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane, pronounced infiltration of the submucosal layer occurs, dystrophic changes and rejection of epithelial cells occur. With proper treatment, acute bronchitis has a favorable prognosis; the structure and function of the bronchi are completely restored within 3 to 4 weeks. Acute bronchitis is very often observed in childhood: this fact is explained by the high susceptibility of children to respiratory infections. Regularly recurring bronchitis contributes to the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Chronical bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory disease of the bronchi, progressing over time and causing structural changes and dysfunction of the bronchial tree. Chronic bronchitis occurs with periods of exacerbations and remissions, and often has a hidden course. Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of chronic bronchitis due to environmental deterioration (air pollution with harmful impurities), widespread bad habits (smoking), and a high level of allergenicity in the population. With prolonged exposure to unfavorable factors on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, gradual changes in the structure of the mucous membrane, increased sputum production, impaired drainage ability of the bronchi, and decreased local immunity develop. In chronic bronchitis, hypertrophy of the bronchial glands and thickening of the mucous membrane occur. The progression of sclerotic changes in the bronchial wall leads to the development of bronchiectasis and deforming bronchitis. A change in the air-conducting ability of the bronchi significantly impairs lung ventilation.

Classification of bronchitis

Bronchitis is classified according to a number of characteristics:

According to severity:

• mild degree
• medium degree
• severe

According to the clinical course:

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis, depending on the etiological factor, is:

• infectious origin (viral, bacterial, viral-bacterial)
• non-infectious origin (chemical and physical harmful factors, allergens)
• mixed origin (combination of infection and the action of physical and chemical factors)
• unspecified etiology

According to the area of ​​inflammatory damage, they are distinguished:

• bronchitis with predominant damage to the bronchi of medium and small caliber
• bronchiolitis

According to the mechanism of occurrence, primary and secondary acute bronchitis are distinguished. According to the nature of the inflammatory exudate, bronchitis is distinguished: catarrhal, purulent, catarrhal-purulent and atrophic.

Chronical bronchitis

Depending on the nature of the inflammation, a distinction is made between catarrhal chronic bronchitis and purulent chronic bronchitis. Based on changes in the function of external respiration, obstructive bronchitis and non-obstructive forms of the disease are distinguished. According to the phases of the process during chronic bronchitis, exacerbations and remissions alternate.

The main factors contributing to the development of acute bronchitis are:

• physical factors (damp, cold air, sudden temperature changes, exposure to radiation, dust, smoke);
• chemical factors (the presence of pollutants in the atmospheric air - carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, chlorine vapor, acids and alkalis, tobacco smoke, etc.);
• bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);
• stagnant processes in the pulmonary circulation (cardiovascular pathologies, disruption of the mucociliary clearance mechanism);
• the presence of foci of chronic infection in the oral and nasal cavity - sinusitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis;
• hereditary factor (allergic predisposition, congenital disorders of the bronchopulmonary system).

It has been established that smoking is the main provoking factor in the development of various bronchopulmonary pathologies, including chronic bronchitis. Smokers suffer from chronic bronchitis 2-5 times more often than non-smokers. The harmful effects of tobacco smoke are observed in both active and passive smoking.

Long-term exposure to harmful production conditions predisposes a person to the occurrence of chronic bronchitis: dust - cement, coal, flour, wood; vapors of acids, alkalis, gases; Uncomfortable temperature and humidity conditions. Atmospheric air pollution from industrial and transport emissions and fuel combustion products has an aggressive effect primarily on the human respiratory system, causing damage and irritation to the bronchi. A high concentration of harmful impurities in the air of large cities, especially in calm weather, leads to severe exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Repeated acute respiratory viral infections, acute bronchitis and pneumonia, chronic diseases of the nasopharynx and kidneys can further cause the development of chronic bronchitis. As a rule, the infection is layered on top of the existing damage to the respiratory mucosa by other damaging factors. A damp and cold climate contributes to the development and exacerbation of chronic diseases, including bronchitis. Heredity plays an important role, which under certain conditions increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms of bronchitis

Acute bronchitis

The main clinical symptom of acute bronchitis - low chest cough - usually appears against the background of existing manifestations of acute respiratory infection or simultaneously with them. The patient experiences fever (up to moderately high), weakness, malaise, nasal congestion, and runny nose. At the beginning of the disease, the cough is dry, with scanty, difficult to separate sputum, worsening at night. Frequent coughing attacks cause pain in the abdominal muscles and chest. After 2-3 days, sputum (mucous, mucopurulent) begins to come out abundantly, and the cough becomes moist and soft. Dry and moist rales are heard in the lungs. In uncomplicated cases of acute bronchitis, shortness of breath is not observed, and its appearance indicates damage to the small bronchi and the development of obstructive syndrome. The patient's condition returns to normal within a few days, but the cough may continue for several weeks. Prolonged high temperature indicates the addition of a bacterial infection and the development of complications.

Chronical bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis occurs, as a rule, in adults, after repeated acute bronchitis, or with prolonged irritation of the bronchi (cigarette smoke, dust, exhaust gases, chemical vapors). Symptoms of chronic bronchitis are determined by the activity of the disease (exacerbation, remission), nature (obstructive, non-obstructive), and the presence of complications.

The main manifestation of chronic bronchitis is a prolonged cough for several months for more than 2 years in a row. The cough is usually wet, appears in the morning, and is accompanied by the release of a small amount of sputum. Intensification of cough is observed in cold, damp weather, and subsidence is observed in the dry, warm season. The general well-being of patients remains almost unchanged; coughing becomes a common occurrence for smokers. Chronic bronchitis progresses over time, the cough intensifies, takes on the character of attacks, and becomes annoying and unproductive. There are complaints of purulent sputum, malaise, weakness, fatigue, sweating at night. Shortness of breath occurs during exertion, even minor ones. In patients with a predisposition to allergies, bronchospasm occurs, indicating the development of obstructive syndrome and asthmatic manifestations.

Complications

Bronchopneumonia is a common complication of acute bronchitis and develops as a result of decreased local immunity and the accumulation of bacterial infection. Repeated acute bronchitis (3 or more times a year) leads to the transition of the inflammatory process to a chronic form. The disappearance of provoking factors (cessation of smoking, climate change, change of place of work) can completely relieve the patient from chronic bronchitis. As chronic bronchitis progresses, repeated acute pneumonia occurs, and with a long course, the disease can develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Obstructive changes in the bronchial tree are considered a pre-asthma condition (asthmatic bronchitis) and increase the risk of bronchial asthma. Complications appear in the form of pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, bronchiectasis, and cardiopulmonary failure.

Diagnostics

Treatment of bronchitis

In the case of bronchitis with a severe concomitant form of ARVI, treatment is indicated in the pulmonology department; in case of uncomplicated bronchitis, treatment is outpatient. Therapy for bronchitis should be comprehensive: fighting infection, restoring bronchial patency, eliminating harmful provoking factors. It is important to complete the full course of treatment for acute bronchitis to prevent it from becoming chronic. In the first days of the disease, bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids (1.5 - 2 times more than normal), and a dairy-vegetable diet are indicated. During treatment, smoking cessation is required. It is necessary to increase the air humidity in the room where a patient with bronchitis is located, since the cough intensifies in dry air.

Therapy for acute bronchitis may include antiviral drugs: interferon (intranasal), for influenza - rimantadine, ribavirin, for adenoviral infection - RNase. In most cases, antibiotics are not used, except in cases of bacterial infection, in the case of prolonged acute bronchitis, or in cases of a pronounced inflammatory reaction according to the results of laboratory tests. To improve the removal of sputum, mucolytic and expectorant agents are prescribed (bromhexine, ambroxol, expectorant herbal tea, inhalations with soda and saline solutions). In the treatment of bronchitis, vibration massage, therapeutic exercises, and physiotherapy are used. For a dry, unproductive, painful cough, the doctor may prescribe medications that suppress the cough reflex - oxeladine, prenoxdiazine, etc.

Chronic bronchitis requires long-term treatment, both during exacerbation and during remission. In case of exacerbation of bronchitis, with purulent sputum, antibiotics are prescribed (after determining the sensitivity of the isolated microflora to them), sputum thinners and expectorants. In the case of the allergic nature of chronic bronchitis, it is necessary to take antihistamines. The regime is semi-bed, be sure to drink plenty of warm water (alkaline mineral water, tea with raspberries, honey). Sometimes therapeutic bronchoscopy is performed, with washing of the bronchi with various medicinal solutions (bronchial lavage). Breathing exercises and physiotherapy (inhalations, UHF, electrophoresis) are indicated. At home, you can use mustard plasters, medical cups, and warm compresses. To strengthen the body's resistance, vitamins and immunostimulants are taken. Outside of exacerbation of bronchitis, sanatorium-resort treatment is desirable. Walking in the fresh air is very useful, normalizing respiratory function, sleep and general condition. If there are no exacerbations of chronic bronchitis within 2 years, the patient is removed from dispensary observation by a pulmonologist.

Forecast

Acute bronchitis in an uncomplicated form lasts about two weeks and ends with complete recovery. In the case of concomitant chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, a protracted course of the disease is observed (a month or more). The chronic form of bronchitis has a long course, alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent many bronchopulmonary diseases, including acute and chronic bronchitis, include: eliminating or reducing the impact of harmful factors on the respiratory system (dust, air pollution, smoking), timely treatment of chronic infections, prevention of allergic manifestations, increasing immunity, healthy lifestyle.