Bronchitis is quite serious and, at the same time, a common disease. Many people neglect to consult a doctor for this disease, relying on their own experience and practicing self-medication. However, one should know that bronchitis can lead to serious complications if untimely or incorrect treatment, or go into a chronic form. So, often, patients seek medical help when the lungs are involved in the inflammatory process, and more complex treatment is required.
Obstructive bronchitis is one of the types of bronchitis in which the inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the bronchi is accompanied by a narrowing of their lumen (obstruction) and a violation of the passage of air. This is due to increased sputum formation or bronchospasm. The most common cause of the disease is a viral infection, but it can also be caused by pathogenic bacterial flora and the effects of various allergens.
The main symptoms of obstructive bronchitis:
- difficulty breathing in and out;
- wheezing when breathing;
- a strong coughing attack - dry or with the departure of yellowish phlegm;
- increased body temperature;
- dyspnea.
With rapid progression of the process, there may be signs of respiratory failure:
- cyanosis or pallor of the skin;
- an increase in the chest in anteroposterior size;
- tachycardia;
- nausea;
- loss of consciousness.
This condition requires urgent medical attention.
Diagnosis of obstructive bronchitis
In order to select the right treatment program, a number of diagnostic activities are required, including:
- physical examination (examination of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, percussion, auscultation, etc.);
- X-ray of the lungs - to exclude lung lesions;
- spirometry - measurement of volume indicators of external respiration;
- pikfloumetriya - a method for assessing the degree of narrowing of the bronchi by measuring the expiratory flow rate;
- pneumotachography - a study of breathing mechanics, based on recording the speed of movement and the volume of inhaled and exhaled air;
- bronchoscopy - examination of bronchial mucosa with sputum collection for analysis;
- blood and urine tests, etc.
Treatment of obstructive bronchitis
Treatment of uncomplicated obstructive bronchitis is carried out at home. The main requirements during the treatment period:
- ensuring complete rest;
- Stay indoors with clean cool air with normal humidity (not less than 50%);
- frequent and abundant drink.
Drug therapy, first of all, is aimed at restoring bronchial patency, enlarging their lumen and improving blood circulation in them. As a rule, the main drugs in the treatment of the disease are:
- spasmolytic and bronchodilating agents (for internal administration or in the form of inhalations);
- mucolytics;
- anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents;
- corticosteroid preparations in the form of inhalation (according to indications).
Antiviral drugs may also be prescribed, and for bacterial obstructive bronchitis or when a bacterial infection with marked manifestations is attached, antibiotics. If obstructive bronchitis is caused by non-infectious causes, antiallergic drugs may be prescribed. Antitussives are prescribed only for an obsessive cough (at night).
Physiotherapy is prescribed to facilitate sputum discharge and ventilation of the lungs:
- UHF-therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- aeroionotherapy;
- vibration massage of the thorax;
- respiratory gymnastics, etc.
In most cases, obstructive bronchitis responds well to treatment.
Measures to prevent obstructive bronchitis:
- rejection of bad habits;
- measures to prevent ARI;
- elimination of contact with allergens;
- treatment of chronic infections;
- increase immunity .