Treatment of bronchitis in adults and children
Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the bronchi caused by bacteria and viruses. Depending on the clinical symptoms, bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Experts distinguish another form of the disease - obstructive bronchitis. It requires particularly careful diagnosis and qualified treatment. Otherwise, such complications as bronchial asthma, pneumonia, emphysema of the lungs cannot be avoided. Children and the elderly are most prone to bronchitis.
Types of bronchitis and causes of the disease
As mentioned above, the disease has acute and chronic forms.
Acute bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchi, the symptoms of which are cough with sputum separation and an increase in the volume of secretion. Symptoms of acute bronchitis will be described below.
Chronic bronchitis is a diffuse lesion of the bronchi with progressive development of the inflammatory process and violation of bronchial function. The chronic form is accompanied by hypersecretion of mucus.
Obstructive bronchitis is a form of the disease in which the mucous membrane of the organ is affected. Characteristic symptoms are edema and blockage of the bronchi. The temperature in bronchitis is within 37-38 C.
Causes of the disease:
- viruses and bacteria;
- presence of chronic respiratory infections (tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis);
- irritation of the bronchi by allergens and toxic gases;
- inhalation of vapors of chemical substances.
Factors contributing to the disease include smoking, heredity, hypothermia and reduced immunity.
Symptoms of acute bronchitis
Characteristic symptoms are cough, chills, fever, as well as weakness and sweating. Cough with bronchitis is initially dry and sharp. In the following days, sputum discharge begins, which brings significant relief to the patient.
Cough in acute bronchitis usually lasts up to two weeks. If it does not disappear even after three weeks, this most often indicates the transition of bronchitis into a chronic form. Frequent bronchitis can be caused by improper and untimely treatment of the acute form of the disease.
Chronic bronchitis: symptoms
It is appropriate to talk about the chronic form when the patient has a cough for more than three months. The main symptom is a constant cough with the discharge of a large amount of mucus, usually in the morning. Cough in the chronic form of the disease is deep and dull. At the same time, the temperature rarely rises. Exacerbations are observed in the cold period of the year.
Obstructive bronchitis: clinical manifestations
In addition to coughing, a characteristic symptom of the obstructive form of the disease is the inability to breathe on a full chest. The reason is deformation of the bronchi. In the initial stages, the obstruction is treatable, but not in the advanced stages. Complications of bronchitis include irreversible deformation and narrowing of the bronchial walls.
Bronchitis diagnosis
The therapist makes a diagnosis, taking into account the anamnesis and symptoms of the disease. Additional diagnostic methods include laboratory tests (general and biochemical blood analysis, sputum culture, serological analysis) and X-ray. Spirography is prescribed for obstructive bronchitis. The effectiveness of bronchitis treatment in children and adults directly depends on the correct diagnosis. On our website - https://dobrobut.com/ - there is a list of laboratory tests carried out by the clinic and the qualifications of specialists.
How to treat chronic bronchitis
In case of acute bronchitis, the patient is prescribed bed rest, compresses and expectorants. At an elevated temperature, antipyretics are appropriate. Antibiotics for bronchitis are prescribed for suspected bacterial infection.
Treatment of chronic bronchitis is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and improving the patency of the bronchi. For this purpose, sulfonamides and antibiotics are prescribed (in each specific case, the doctor makes the decision). Inhalations for bronchitis have proven themselves well. The course of treatment is three weeks twice a day.
Medical therapy of the obstructive form of the disease is aimed at expanding the bronchi. The main purpose is pharmaceuticals, which can be supplemented with herbal decoctions and special drainage exercises. Massage for bronchitis is also appropriate. It contributes to the effective discharge of sputum.
Features of bronchitis in children under one year
Bronchitis in babies up to one year old can occur due to defects in the development of the respiratory system, the presence of chemical or physical irritants, as well as after experiencing SARS. Treatment of bronchitis and correction of drug therapy should be carried out by a specialist. The treatment of bronchitis in pregnant women has its own peculiarities, since not only the benefit for the future mother, but also the possible danger for the child should be taken into account.
How to avoid frequent bronchitis: disease prevention
Prevention of the disease is always better than any treatment. About how to treat chronic bronchitis, it was said above. Next, we will talk about preventive measures.
So, prevention of bronchitis is:
- timely treatment of acute respiratory infections and flu;
- healthy lifestyle and smoking cessation;
- strengthening of immunity (vitamin therapy, hardening, etc.);
- avoidance of crowded places during a flu epidemic;
- respiratory protection when working with harmful substances.
In addition, it is important to consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease. High-quality diagnostics and the correct diagnosis are the key to effective treatment. Do you have a question? Please contact us, we are always happy to help.
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