Respiratory system >>>> Acute bronchitis. Signs of acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis. Signs of acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchi. Moreover, in mild cases, the inflammatory process affects only the mucous layer of the membrane, and severe cases are accompanied by the capture of all layers of the bronchial wall by the inflammatory process.

Causes

The causes of bronchitis are very diverse. Infection is caused by viruses and bacteria. It happens that bronchitis begins to develop as a result of a viral infection, but over time, a bacterial infection is added, for which viruses create favorable conditions. The main causative agents of bronchitis are viruses: influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses. Bacteria can be added to them: staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci and atypical pathogens: mycoplasma, chlamydia, and in rare cases - fungi. All of these pathogens are often combined. Acute bronchitis usually begins in conditions of reduced immunity.

Most often, acute bronchitis occurs in the off-season, when temperature changes are observed , but along with this it also arises as a result of acute respiratory illness, flu, tonsillitis. The reason may be previously transferred other diseases of the upper respiratory tract: rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tracheitis. There is a type of acute bronchitis called toxic-chemical. That is, acute bronchitis can be caused by prolonged inhalation of a suspension of gypsum, chalk and other small particles sprayed in the air ; inhalation of sprayed aerosols, gasoline vapors, acetone, acid and formaldehyde vapors, various types of gas, heavy metal vapors.

Signs of acute bronchitis

The course of the disease is accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane and the formation of a purulent exudate, while the patency of small bronchi is impaired, which causes discomfort. In the beginning, a painful dry cough appears, the voice “sits down,” breathing becomes hoarse. After a few days, the cough changes its character, becomes moist with the effect of sputum discharge. The cough can be accompanied by pain in the chest and in the diaphragm. Symptoms of general malaise appear: fatigue, weakness, excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite. Body temperature is both normal and subfebrile (37 - 37.5 in Celsius).

Examination and diagnostics.

Percussion around the lungs shows a clear sound. Auscultation (listening) detects wheezing, dry rales; after coughing, the number of wheezing becomes less or disappears, and they can be heard only with increased deep breathing.

The nature of the cough changes over several days from dry to cough with sputum discharge. X-ray examination of changes does not reveal. A blood test shows a moderate level of leukocytes and a slight increase in ESR. To establish the type of pathological microflora, a smear of outgoing sputum is taken to establish the optimal combination of drugs.

It is necessary to differentiate the disease with chronic bronchitis , pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma , whooping cough, measles. With a protracted course of the disease, it is necessary to carry out tomography, bronchoscopy for cytological examination if a tumor is suspected, and bacterioscopy if tuberculosis is suspected.

When the epithelial layer of the bronchi is damaged, the recovery period of the body lasts about two weeks, but with damage of a deeper nature, this period can take one to three months.

Treatment

Treatment of acute bronchitis is carried out on an outpatient basis (at home). Prescribe bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, that is, doubling the daily dose of liquid (tea with jam or lemon, with honey, warm milk, heated mineral waters, herbal infusions), light dietary food that does not overload the stomach. Take multivitamins (especially vitamin C). Medicines are prescribed according to indications, that is, according to the developing symptoms.

The first thing to look out for is immunity support. There is a category of drugs that stimulate the immune system .

If acute bronchitis is not associated with toxic - chemical causes or allergies, but has a viral etiology, then it is necessary to supplement the treatment with antiviral drugs. But it must be remembered that antiviral drugs are most effective in the first 48 hours.

Depending on the nature of the cough, antitussive and expectorant drugs are prescribed. Antitussive drugs are prescribed according to indications and very carefully, since they suppress the cough reflex, and it is necessary to remove sputum. When the sputum begins to drain, they stop using antitussive drugs and begin to use drugs that thin the sputum and remove it from the body. There are drugs that relieve dry cough without suppressing the cough reflex. Pharmacies sell breast fees for the target area of action (read on the package).

If, against the background of acute bronchitis, bronchospasm occurs (acute bronchial obstruction syndrome), then they turn to bronchodilator drugs.

In case of ineffective symptomatic therapy within the first 2-3 days, as well as moderate and severe course of the disease, antibacterial drugs are started.

With the development of allergic reactions in the bronchi against the background of a bacterial infection, antihistamines are used.

If there is no temperature, you can use mustard plasters (not cans), inhalation with a nebulizer (eucalyptus, anise and other essential oils). This facilitates the course of the disease.

Too high a temperature (more than 38.5 in Celsius) is removed with antipyretic drugs.

Prevention

Preventive measures for acute bronchitis include three vectors of action.

The first is aimed at hardening the body to develop resistance to sudden changes in temperature. The alternating multi-temperature douches with water and a contrast shower have proven themselves well. But the temperature of the water must be lowered gradually, without making sharp changes at the beginning.
The second direction is associated with strengthening immunity and increasing the body's resistance to viral and bacterial infections. It is necessary to consult with an immunologist, and at the same time take various beneficial bacteria, since reduced immunity may be associated with dysbiosis (violation of the beneficial microflora of the body).
The third area involves the regulation of interaction with environmental conditions, that is, at work and at home, drafts and hypothermia must be avoided . The air temperature in the room should not be too cold, so as not to freeze, but also too hot, so as not to create artificial temperature differences when going outside. Dress for the weather. You should not take long walks in wet, rainy weather.

When working with hazardous reagents or in a dusty atmosphere, individual protective equipment (masks, respirators) should be used and the room should be ventilated more often.

During the height of viral infections, if possible, it is advisable to avoid crowded places.