Bronchitis: all about the disease

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucosa of the walls of the bronchi. The disease is accompanied by a plentiful separation of mucus and bronchial edema, which leads to disruption of air circulation in the lungs.

Bronchitis is a common disease that occurs in people of all ages around the world. The main causes of bronchitis include infections, hypothermia, inflammation of the larynx, trachea and other respiratory organs. In addition, the risk of developing the disease increases smoking, inhalation of dust and the effects on the respiratory tract of other irritants. Other risk factors include hereditary predisposition and decreased immunity.

Types and symptoms of bronchitis

There are two main forms of bronchitis - acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is characterized by an increase in the volume of bronchial secretion, as well as a spit-cough cough. In chronic bronchitis, progressive bronchitis is observed, accompanied by abundant sputum and bronchial dysfunction.

In addition to these species there is such a thing as obstructive bronchitis . In obstructive bronchitis due to edema of the bronchi, their blockage develops.

The main symptom of any form of bronchitis is cough. However, in general, each form of bronchitis proceeds in different ways. So, with acute bronchitis in the early days, cough is dry, and in the following days it becomes wet and sputum begins to appear white or greenish. Acute bronchitis is also accompanied by a slight increase in temperature. With timely treatment, acute bronchitis is cured in about ten days. Without proper treatment, the disease progresses and develops into chronic bronchitis.

Diagnosis of chronic bronchitis is made in cases where cough is observed more than three times a year for at least two years. With chronic bronchitis cough deaf and deep, and accompanied by abundant sputum, especially in the morning. This form of bronchitis is characterized by alternation of exacerbations and remissions. Occasionally, an elevated temperature is observed. As the disease develops, shortness of breath and shortness of breath occurs .

How is acute and chronic bronchitis treated?

Treatment of bronchitis includes taking medications and adherence to bed rest. In acute bronchitis, patients are prescribed drugs to alleviate symptoms, namely expectorants and antipyretics (if necessary). Antibiotics are indicated only in cases when bronchitis is accompanied by pneumonia. In addition, a generous drink is recommended, regular airing of the room in which the patient is, mustard plasters and hot foot baths. Folk remedies for the treatment of acute bronchitis include gogol-mogol (yolks whipped with sugar and rum), radish juice and infusion of calendula flowers.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and restoring bronchial functions. Drug treatment includes taking antibiotics. Also often recommended are inhalations. Adherents of traditional medicine recommend orange syrup, a decoction of mandarin crusts, a decoction of apricot kernels, honey with olive oil.

Can bronchitis be prevented?

For the prevention of bronchitis and other respiratory diseases it is recommended to exclude risk factors that increase the likelihood of these diseases. The main preventive measures include:

• To give up smoking
• Avoid inhalation of dust and other substances that irritate the respiratory tract
• Avoidance of hypothermia
• Regular airing of the room, sufficient exposure to fresh air
• Strengthening immunity, eating enough vitamins
• Timely treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract
• Spot lessons, active lifestyles.