Chronic bronchitis in adults: symptoms and treatment regimen. How can chronic bronchitis be cured forever: is it real?

Bronchitis is one of the most common pathologies in adults and children. This is due to the multiplicity of reasons that can lead to pathology. It is quite easy to get bronchitis. It is enough to go out in windy weather without a scarf or “swallow” cold air, and bronchitis will be guaranteed. The disease occurs in initial form acute - coughing and attacks of suffocation torment the patient for the first few weeks, after which there is an imaginary improvement in the state of health and, it would seem, the disease recedes.

Nevertheless, the pathology is thus masked and becomes a sluggish chronic form. Attacks of the disease worsen when exposed to any provoking factor, and Chronical bronchitis can pester a person for more than a year. For most patients it becomes topical issue about how to cure chronic bronchitis forever in order to stop suffering from attacks of the disease.

In most cases, bronchitis is a residual form acute inflammation bronchi caused by hypothermia. But in some cases, the disease can be a consequence of long-term influence of a provoking factor, for example, working in a hazardous industry, when a person inhales tiny particles, invisible to the eye. In this case, the bronchi also react to the presence of dust and dirt in the respiratory system by producing sputum and a spasmodic cough. Just like that human body attempts to evacuate foreign bodies causing obstruction.

Exacerbation of the disease is possible for any reason. Most often these are viral respiratory infections that provoke fever and a wet cough. Aggravating bronchitis after some time leads to a change in the structure of the bronchi. During the diagnostic process, this is manifested by prolonged inhalations and exhalations, wheezing in the lungs, and incomplete inspiration. The diagnosis is confirmed after an X-ray examination.

Chronic bronchitis in children

The course of chronic bronchitis in children has its own characteristics, which also affects the treatment of the disease. In children under seven years of age, bronchitis often occurs due to the fact that their respiratory system is still developing and becomes vulnerable to various types of diseases.

Diagnosing pathology in children under three years of age is problematic. Although such children suffer from bronchitis quite often, doctors will diagnose obstruction or recurrent bronchitis without classifying the disease as chronic type. There is a certain logic in this, since in some children, after reaching the age of three, bronchitis goes away on its own, but still most of children stubbornly fight the disease more long time. In them, the disease will remind itself of itself with coughing attacks, expectoration of sputum, and exacerbations of the condition.

This typical course chronic bronchitis, in which the bronchi can no longer fully clear themselves. Is it possible to cure chronic bronchitis with such destructive changes, the doctor will say, but in children, treatment for the disease usually gives more encouraging prognoses if it is not advanced.

The question of complete cure of bronchitis is controversial. Many doctors believe that it is impossible to completely cure the pathology, but it is quite possible to achieve long periods of remission, which enable a person to live full life. Some doctors are confident that the disease is mild form it can be cured at an early stage, the main thing is to start treating chronic bronchitis in a timely manner in order to relieve inflammation of the bronchi as early as possible and prevent pathological changes in tissues.

Smoking is one of the main causes of bronchitis

In most cases, hospitalization of patients is not required for the treatment of chronic bronchitis. If you strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations, the pathology can be successfully treated at home. Only occasionally severe patients may require hospitalization if:

the course of the disease has worsened significantly;
acute respiratory failure develops;
heart function deteriorates;
treatment carried out on an outpatient basis does not give positive results.

The basis of therapy is drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process localized in the bronchi. Also, do not forget about giving up bad habits, in particular smoking.

If necessary, you need to change harmful work, because without eliminating the provoking factor, successful treatment of chronic bronchitis will be impossible. During the treatment process, it is important to support the body with vitamins and a balanced calorie diet. B vitamins, ascorbic acid and a nicotinic acid. When the disease worsens, teas with lemon or raspberries have a good effect. The diet should limit carbohydrates and increase the amount of protein.

Drug therapy

When the inflammatory process is active, doctors prescribe antibacterial drugs. As a rule, before prescribing medications, sputum is analyzed for the presence of a pathogen and its type is clarified. This will help select more effective treatment for the patient. Among antibacterial drugs doctors use several categories medicines:

aminopenicillins;
macrolides;
fluoroquinolones;
cephalosporins;
tetracyclines.

These are the main categories of drugs, based on the combination of which powerful therapy for the disease is carried out in both acute and chronic forms. Chronic bronchitis in adults can be treated with stronger antibiotics, but children are prescribed gentle doses and the course of treatment is prolonged.

To achieve an anti-inflammatory effect good action Erespal provides, and to prevent the lumen of the bronchi from narrowing, you can use phytoncides - garlic or onion juice, fir or eucalyptus oil.

Arsenal of means for removing mucus from the bronchi

When treating chronic bronchitis, it is necessary to take medications to remove phlegm. This is important so that sputum does not stagnate in the bronchi and does not contribute to the worsening of the inflammatory process. For this purpose, the drugs Bromhexine, Ambroxol, Acetylcysteine, Flavamed, Lazolvan, ACC-long, Mucosolvin are prescribed. You can also use folk remedies to remove mucus from the bronchi.

Physiotherapy also has a certain positive effect in treating the disease. Patients in remission are prescribed UHF therapy, ultrasound treatment, electrophoresis, baths and other methods of treating pathology.

Inhalations

The family of a person suffering from chronic bronchitis must have an inhaler. The cost of this device is low; every patient can purchase it. The principle of operation of the inhaler is to grind medicinal particles and deliver them along with air into the respiratory tract. To do this, the patient puts on a mask, and the medicinal substance enters it through special tubes. The main thing is to breathe calmly and deeply during the procedure.

You can add any medications that are available in liquid form to your inhalers. Here are examples of how to treat chronic bronchitis using an inhaler.

Dioxidin is a drug from the group of antiseptics that have a wide range of antibacterial effect. Used for exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. It is added to the inhaler in a ratio of 1 to 4 with saline solution. Single dose means for inhalation - one teaspoon.
Chlorophyllipt is excellent local antiseptic, diluted with saline solution 1 to 10. One teaspoon of the product is also added to the inhaler.
Alkaline solutions - you can use pharmaceutical product sodium bicarbonate or dilute it yourself in a glass warm water a teaspoon of soda.
Atrovent is a drug for expanding the lumen of the bronchi. It is sold in the pharmacy in the form of a suspension. The drug is diluted with saline 1 to 1, so that you end up with a teaspoon of the product.
Ventolin is a bronchodilator. Can quickly relieve spasms and restore breathing. Diluted 1 to 1 with saline solution.
Acetylcysteine is a drug for removing phlegm. The pharmacy sells a ready-made mixture, so it does not need to be diluted for administration. Place 1 teaspoon of the product in the inhaler.
Flixotide – has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the frequency of attacks. Available in the form of convenient nebulas, which are single-dose dosages for inhalation.
Lazolvan – expectorant, which effectively removes phlegm, is available in special bottles.

Inhalations are an excellent method of treating chronic bronchitis

You cannot carry out inhalations on your own - the composition of the drug and its dosage should be recommended by the attending physician, based on the indications. For example, if you have bronchial asthma or a tendency to allergies, not all medications recommended for treating the disease can be used.

Halotherapy

One of modern methods treatment of chronic bronchitis - halotherapy. To cure chronic bronchitis forever, you should not neglect this technique along with traditional medicine.

The essence of halotherapy treatment is to immerse the patient in unique breathing conditions, similar to salt caves. The air in the halotherapy chamber helps to cope with chronic bronchitis for a long time, and in some patients, halotherapy helps to forget about the disease forever.

Sessions in the halochamber provide the patient with breathing air of optimal humidity and temperature. For additional effect, various medicinal substances, aerosol components. The frequency of sessions depends on the degree of the disease. With a mild form, patients quickly get rid of chronic bronchitis, but prolonged ones need to be treated in courses of several months. Typically, two to three sessions are prescribed per week, and the number of sessions is not limited. The patient can be treated until complete recovery.

As research results show, halotherapy is effective not only against chronic bronchitis, but also helps to cure concomitant diseases - bronchial asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis. The body's defenses are significantly increased.

Bronchitis is the most common disease of the respiratory system. Often it occurs as a result of people not taking it seriously or redness of the throat. Pathology refers to inflammatory lesions of the mucous membrane of large and medium-sized bronchi.

Normal bronchi and bronchitis

Types of bronchitis

For proper therapy, it is important to find out exactly what form of the disease it belongs to and from this make a decision on further treatment.

According to the symptoms of the disease, bronchitis is divided into chronic and acute.

According to the presence of bronchospasm: obstructive or non-obstructive.

Due to their occurrence, they are distinguished:

Infectious, caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus,
Non-infectious - allergic, asthmatic, smoker's bronchitis.

Depending on the type of disease, the doctor selects the necessary treatment regimen.

Symptoms of bronchitis

The symptoms of the disease are vivid, so it is difficult to confuse them. The main symptoms are:

general weakness,
sweating,
wheezing,
pain in chest,
increased body temperature, sometimes up to 40 0 C;
dry cough becomes wet over time,
labored breathing,
shortness of breath,
Coughing attacks can last 15-30 minutes,

Bronchitis is dangerous for infants: due to its rapid development, the disease can develop into pneumonia in a matter of hours.

How to treat

It is impossible to cure bronchitis in one day, since the causes of the disease are varied, and it is impossible to choose a “magic pill” that can cope with such a pathology. Even if the immune system is strong enough, the disease will last at least 4-5 days, and it will take four to seven days to cope with a bacterial infection.

To determine a treatment regimen, first of all, the doctor needs to determine acute or chronic bronchitis, and what its nature is - infectious or bacterial. After diagnosis, home treatment is prescribed: medications, physiotherapy, massage, inhalations, and the use of folk remedies.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis

The chronic form is characterized by prolonged inflammation of the bronchi, which is not associated with local or general lesions of the lungs and is manifested by a cough. A similar diagnosis is indicated if an adult has a cough for more than 3 months a year for 2 or more years.

In children, a similar pathology occurs due to many untreated acute bronchitis; in adults, it is often caused by smoking - this pathology is called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Smoker's bronchitis requires a long course of treatment, so during the period of exacerbation it is necessary to take bronchodilators - mucolytics and expectorants. If an infection occurs, the doctor may add antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients are prescribed inhalations with alkaline solutions or herbal infusions or chest massage. In addition, taking vitamins, following a diet and drinking regime are mandatory. In severe cases of the disease, bronchoscopy may be prescribed (assessment of the condition of the mucous membranes of the tracheobronchial tree using special device). If smoker's bronchitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to emphysema and chronic respiratory failure.

A smoker's cough can lead to emphysema

In the treatment of chronic disease in children and adults, the stage of the disease plays an important role. At the acute stage therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating inflammatory processes in the bronchi, improving ventilation of the upper respiratory tract, elimination of spasms. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to completely cure chronic bronchitis in adults. However, with the right therapeutic measures, periods of exacerbation can be minimized.

Obstructive bronchitis

Sometimes when viral nature diseases, obstructive syndrome may occur, in which case they speak of obstructive bronchitis. It is characterized by continuous, prolonged bouts of coughing, suffocation, and severe shortness of breath. This pathology significantly complicates treatment, so the patient is prescribed therapy to relieve obstruction. To achieve this, the following activities are carried out:

alkaline and medicinal inhalations;
bronchodilator inhalations (Salbutamol, Hydrobromide) – 3 times a day;
etiotropic antiviral therapy (Interferon);
antispasmodic therapy (Papaverine, Drotaverine);
percussion and vibration massage;
bronchodilators (Eufillin, Ventolin).

What antibiotics to take

The use of antibiotics to treat bronchitis is advisable if its causative agent was a bacterial infection, but if the cause of the pathology was a virus, then this therapy will not bring the expected effect. However, as a rule, the viral form of pathology is characterized by a decrease in temperature within 3-4 days; if this does not happen, it means that a bacterial infection has occurred and antibiotics cannot be avoided.

You can take an antibiotic only after a doctor’s prescription, since if it is chosen incorrectly therapeutic effect will not be received. To treat the acute form, antibiotics such as:

Macrolides – Zomax, Macropen, Clamed;
Panicillins – Amoxicillin, Augmentin;
Cephalosporins – Zinnat, Ketocef, Klaforan.

The drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets or suspensions for children. Adults with severe course diseases, antibiotics are administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

Antiviral therapy

Question about the use of antiviral therapy for the treatment of bronchitis viral etiology remains controversial. Most doctors believe that the effectiveness of drugs in this group has not been proven and the main thing is to create the right conditions to fight the virus and the body can cope on its own. However, some doctors still disagree with them.

At viral infection Most often, drugs with interferon or oseltamivir are prescribed, although these drugs are over-the-counter, we do not recommend taking them without consulting a doctor.

It is difficult to say for sure whether their use is necessary, but it is important to remember that if the body is strong, it will be able to cope with bronchitis, both without antiviral agents and without antibiotics.

Expectorants

The main symptom of the disease is a debilitating dry cough, so in order to get rid of bronchitis and cough you should. There are two groups of these drugs:

Means for stimulating expectoration,
Medicines to thin sputum.

Drugs of the first group are also called secretomotor drugs, their action is aimed at causing irritation of the gastric mucosa, which provokes the work of the cough center of the brain. The consequence of this is increased production of liquid secretion in the bronchi and increased coughing. Thermopsis, ammonium chloride and others have a similar effect.

Sputum thinners or mucolytics help thin the sputum, but do not increase its volume. The most popular drugs in this group are:

Bromhexine – promotes the separation of sputum when coughing;
Trypsin – also has an anti-inflammatory effect;
Ambroxol – reduces the viscosity of sputum and prevents it from sticking together;
Marshmallow root – herbal preparation, is strictly prohibited for dry cough.

If it occurs in an adult, then it is necessary to use means that will suppress it:

Glaucine,
Stoptusin,
Levopront,
Libexin.

You can also use combination drugs, for example Sinekod or Bronholitin. As a rule, after 3-4 days of taking these drugs, it is advisable to start taking mucolytics - acetylcysteine (Asibrox, Eucabal), carbocysteine (Mucosol, Rinatiol).

It is also advisable to use expectorants that improve reflex cough - syrups with ivy, Alteyka, anise drops

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Physiotherapy combined with medication helps speed up recovery. The most effective procedures with bronchitis are:

Massage, the advantage of the procedure is that it can be carried out both in a hospital setting and at home. The main manipulations are tapping the chest with fingertips, followed by stroking. The procedure should last 5-10 minutes, the course should be at least 5 procedures.
UHF– the method is based on thermal radiation electromagnetic waves, when exposed to them, blood circulation and lymph outflow increase, due to which inflammatory process decreases and tissues are restored. Minimum 6 procedures.
Electrophoresis, used to improve bronchial drainage and phlegm removal.
Paraffin therapy, can also be done at home. During the procedure, capillary blood flow in the bronchi is activated, and tissue metabolism increases.

The most popular physiotherapy is inhalation. Best effect if they are carried out using special devices - nebulizers, it is also possible to carry out steam inhalations, however, when performing them you need to be careful to prevent burns to the mucous membrane.

The following agents can be used for inhalation for bronchitis:

soda and saline solutions;
essential oils eucalyptus, cedar, lemon, rosemary;
Lazolvan, Ambrobene.

If diagnosed obstructive bronchitis, then inhalations with bronchodilators, for example Berodual, are indicated.

Folk remedies

A good effect in treating the disease is achieved using traditional medicine methods, but it should be used only after consultation with a doctor.

For the treatment of chronic bronchitis, effective folk recipes are:

Black radish with honey - wash the vegetable, make a small hole and put a teaspoon of honey there. After some time, juice will begin to be released, which should be consumed three times a day.
Infusion of chamomile, St. John's wort, calamus and calendula - 1 tbsp. l of the mixture, pour 250 ml of water and leave, drink 100 ml three times a day.
Plantain – 2 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of leaves into a glass of boiling water and leave for 2 hours, consume 500 ml of infusion throughout the day.

In order to help liquefy and remove mucus from the bronchi, ease breathing and suppress the inflammatory process, you can use the following recipes:

Aloe with honey– grind the leaves in a meat grinder (you need to get 250 ml), add the same amount of rendered lard, 500 grams of honey and 250 grams of dark chocolate. Put the mixture on fire and simmer at a temperature of 45 0 C until a paste-like consistency forms. Take 1-2 tbsp. spoons 30 minutes before meals (children no more than 1 tsp.).
Treatment with propolis tincture is effective for bronchitis; you can use both water (for children) and alcohol. The recipe is simple - add the tincture 3 times a day to any of the drinks (30 drops of water or 15 drops of alcohol).
Goat milk is good remedy For quick treatment cough, acute and chronic forms. To do this, bring 250 ml of milk to a boil, cool, add one tablespoon at a time goat fat and honey, then you should drink it all and immediately lie down under the covers. This procedure can be repeated up to 3-4 times a day. This recipe is effective even for old molds. chronic pathology. You can also use just goat milk with honey, without adding fat.
A good effect is also achieved in the treatment of bronchitis carrot juice , especially at the beginning of the disease with a dry cough. The juice is diluted with water 1:1 and taken 1 tsp. four times a day.
« Onion jam" - This quick method treatment of bronchitis and cough. Mince 0.5 onions, add a liter of water and 400 g of sugar, boil for 3 hours. Cool, add 100 g of honey. Use 1 tbsp. spoon of the mixture 4-6 times a day.
For the treatment of acute bronchitis You can use a mixture of horseradish and lemon - 50 g of horseradish and chop 1 lemon, take 1 tsp up to 3 times a day.
Effective, the folk way treatment is taking badger fat. It can be consumed in its pure form, washed down with tea or mixed with honey.

You should not self-medicate, if only because the use of antibiotics for fungal or allergic form pathology will not have any effect.

Specialty: General Practitioner
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after. Sechenov in 2010

The question is how to overcome chronic bronchitis in short term and forever, worries many people. Unfortunately, given the poor environment and harmful working conditions, this disease is a frequent “companion” of many Russians. Under no circumstances should you be negligent in treating this disease; such behavior can lead to serious complications and death. In this article we will tell you which methods, medications, and recipes will most effectively help in adults.

Why does the disease occur?

Chronic bronchitis is a serious disease, the treatment of which can take many months. The reason is that this disease does not appear quickly and out of nowhere.

Factors influencing the development of chronic bronchitis in adults:

smoking. It has been proven that smokers have a risk of developing of this disease 5 times higher than that of non-smokers;
poor environment and harmful working conditions;
frequent viral and infectious diseases of the respiratory tract and nasopharynx;
improper or untimely treatment of acute bronchitis.

The long-term influence of harmful factors on the bronchi leads to the fact that gradually the glands of the mucous membrane of these organs begin to produce more and more sputum in order to cope with harmful substances. After some time, there is so much secretion that it no longer has time to be removed. This moist environment becomes an ideal breeding ground for pathogens.

A characteristic symptom of chronic bronchitis in adults is a “wet” cough. Morning coughs, if not properly treated, develop into a constant cough that bothers the patient throughout the day and night, especially worse in damp weather.

A severe coughing attack can be triggered by cool air, a strong aroma, or simply cold bed linen.

If shortness of breath appears, it means that the disease has “reached” the small bronchi and caused disturbances in the ventilation of the respiratory tract. This indicates that bronchitis has progressed to new uniform- with asthmatic syndrome and, accordingly, became the beginning of the development of one of the most dangerous complications - asthma. This disease poses a direct threat to the patient’s life.

Chronic bronchitis in adults is not characterized by high fever. If it rises, this is evidence of an exacerbation of the disease. Such acute phases can be repeated several times a year.

What should be the treatment during the period of exacerbation and remission of the disease?

Forever is possible only if you start it at early stages and carry out thoroughly - both during the period of exacerbation and at a time when the symptoms become less noticeable.

In the acute phase of the disease, it is recommended to undergo treatment in a hospital under medical supervision. The main medications that a doctor will prescribe during an exacerbation of the disease will be antibiotics, expectorants, anti-inflammatory drugs, mucolytics and immunostimulants. It is also possible to wash the bronchi through the bronchoscope tube with medicinal solutions that will help reduce inflammation and reduce the amount of mucus.

What raises the most objections among patients is the doctor's prescription of antibiotics. But if the patient has a fever for a long time, there is shortness of breath, pneumonia is suspected or there are obvious signs intoxication of the body is vital! Typically, chronic bronchitis in adults in the acute stage is treated with antibiotics of the penicillin group (amoxil, fromilid, sumamed, etc.).

If the disease was caused by viruses, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral drug.

In addition to eliminating the cause of the disease, it involves taking medications that soothe the cough and help remove mucus from the bronchi. The principle of action of mucolytics is that they break the chemical bonds of the secretion, it becomes less thick and comes out easier. Expectorants affect the bronchial mucosa, causing the organ to work more intensively and effectively get rid of phlegm. Such drugs are prescribed during periods of both exacerbation and remission.

Bronchodilators (drugs that dilate the bronchi) will help. In order for the funds to reach their goal as quickly as possible, it makes sense to carry out treatment using inhalations.

Excellent results during the period of exacerbation of the disease are obtained by special gymnastics and physiotherapeutic procedures (UHF and IR therapy, electrophoresis).

The patient should drink a lot of warm liquid during an exacerbation of bronchitis - at least 2 liters a day. Bed rest at this time is a prerequisite for a favorable outcome of the disease.

The main rules of effective treatment

Treatment the best drugs will not bring the desired result if certain rules are not followed. To effectively treat chronic bronchitis, you must:

quit smoking yourself, force all family members to do it! You can, of course, argue for a long time and prove that it is not only cigarettes that cause this disease. But the fact that the disease is already destroying your body should become an incentive to immediately give up the bad habit. In medicine, there is even a special indicator - the smoking index, which is used to calculate the risk of obstructive complications in a patient. To determine this value, multiply the number of cigarettes you smoke per day by the number of days in a year. If this figure is more than 120, the risk of obstruction is almost 100%;

pay attention to the state of the body as a whole. No matter how funny it may sound, chronic bronchitis reflects the condition gastrointestinal tract person. Disturbances in its activity affect the entire body, provoking the development of inflammatory processes and intoxication. Some overweight people can carry up to 25 kg. feces. Therefore, cleansing the intestines can be a serious step in the treatment of the respiratory system as well;
do not engage in amateur activities in the treatment of the disease. Only a specialist can decide how to treat chronic bronchitis. This is not a common cold that can be carried “on your feet” and cured with mustard plasters. This disease is so serious that its direct consequence can be death. Only comprehensive professional approach can guarantee a complete cure;
rest as much as possible and drink fluids (warm teas, decoctions, infusions, or just still mineral water);

eat soft, non-spicy food. The fact is that in parallel with inflammation of the bronchi, the nasopharynx also becomes inflamed. Therefore, eating should not traumatize her;
maintain high indoor humidity. Don't have a special humidifier? Hang wet towels in the room, place containers of water, and carry out wet cleaning as often as possible. Treatment of bronchitis is aimed mainly at thinning and removing excess mucus from the bronchi. And dry air in the room will greatly hinder this process;

to walk outside. This must be done after finishing acute period, when your health more or less improves. The more you saturate respiratory system oxygen, the better it copes with the removal of sputum.

What folk remedies can treat bronchitis in adults?

The complex treatment of chronic bronchitis can and should include the use of folk remedies that have been tested by more than one generation of people. Certainly, medical supplies they will not replace, but will make a significant contribution to the healing process and immune support.

We offer several effective recipes:

decoctions and infusions medicinal herbs can be used to eliminate different symptoms chronic bronchitis. Often medicinal plants have comprehensive assistance: relieve swelling of the mucous membrane, soften cough. The best help for bronchitis: marshmallow, licorice, wild rosemary and pine buds.

The herb ephedra horsetail and two-spikelet, violet, fennel and istod have bronchodilatory properties. Improve sweating and help eliminate intoxication in the body: primrose, coltsfoot, violet, anise and thermopsis. All these herbs can be bought in dry form at the pharmacy. Brew according to the instructions that should be on the package;

Vegetable juices are good for bronchitis. Take 200 g of carrot juice, radish juice, honey and alcohol. Mix everything and give the patient 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals;
in adults, traditional medicine suggests treating with onion jam. Grind half a kilogram of onion using a blender or meat grinder, add a liter of water and add 400 g of sugar.

Bronchitis is a disease in which an inflammatory process occurs in the bronchial mucosa. In this case, swelling of the walls and increased secretion of mucous substance occurs, so bronchitis causes difficulty breathing and coughing.

Depending on how bronchitis progresses, acute and chronic forms are distinguished. In acute bronchitis, the disease progresses rapidly, damaging the upper layers of the bronchi. Arises coughing with sputum production, the temperature does not rise much. Acute bronchitis is divided, depending on the characteristics of the damage to the bronchial passages, into obstructive and non-obstructive bronchitis.

With bronchitis, damage to the small bronchi occurs, an increase in the tone of their muscles, swelling of the mucous membrane and an increased amount of sputum. This type of bronchitis in adults causes wheezing, severe coughing and seizures. Obstructive form Bronchitis in children is most dangerous because spasms occur in the bronchi and cause suffocation. With a protracted process, chronic bronchitis occurs.

The chronic form of bronchitis is characterized by structural damage to the walls of the bronchi, and sometimes lung tissue. It causes a prolonged cough that occurs due to damage to the bronchi. Exacerbation of chronic bronchitis occurs during the change of seasons, in the cold and damp seasons; in summer, coughing becomes rare. Smokers are more likely to experience chronic bronchitis due to damage to the lungs and larynx. If chronic bronchitis is not treated sufficiently, complications in the lungs may occur.

Causes of bronchitis

Is bronchitis contagious? It is contagious, since acute bronchitis can be caused by various viruses and infections: measles, pneumococci, staphylococci, and others. Bronchitis can occur from physical and chemical factors: colds, low and high air temperatures, dust particles, gases, chemicals and toxic substances.

How is bronchitis transmitted? The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets when communicating, coughing and sneezing. In most cases acute form bronchitis is a consequence of a viral infection. First, the bacteria enter the nasal cavity, then spread to the throat and bronchi and cause bronchitis.

Risk factors causing the development of chronic bronchitis include:

smoking;
asthma;
chronic diseases of the nasal cavity;
alcohol abuse;
climatic and environmental conditions (dust, cold temperatures, environmental pollution);
abnormalities in the shape of the chest.

The cause of bronchitis in children can be any infection, since the children's respiratory system is not fully developed and is more susceptible to disease than that of an adult. Weak immunity may become another factor in the development of bronchitis. Bronchitis in children is dangerous because it causes complications in other organs, spasms occur and accumulates. a large number of sputum. Bronchitis in children can occur due to parental smoking or living in unfavorable environmental and climatic conditions.

Bronchitis during pregnancy

During pregnancy, after diagnosis, specialists most often prescribe treatment for bronchitis with medications such as antibiotics. Although such medications are harmful to the health of pregnant women, especially in the 1st trimester, they are almost the only way to avoid more serious complications. After all, when bronchitis is prolonged, it can easily lead to the occurrence of pneumonia, and, as a consequence, intrauterine infection of the fetus.

If it is possible to do without antibacterial drugs when treating bronchitis in a pregnant woman, then a qualified specialist prescribes her medications that are aimed at relieving intoxication and also help restore damaged bronchial function.
Intoxication occurs with bronchitis, because the patient’s body is poisoned by the products of work and decay produced by microbes. This is what causes most of the symptoms that accompany a disease such as bronchitis. This includes weakness, malaise, and bad feeling, and easy fatigue. In order to effectively recover from the intoxication to which the patient’s body is exposed, bed rest is required for as long as the temperature does not drop to normal.

In addition, drinking plenty of warm water will help in this case, such as hot tea, preferably with honey, heated Borjomi or warm milk with soda, herbal decoctions and linden tea.

It is worth noting that the cough that occurs in connection with this disease can be different in type. Only a qualified specialist can determine exactly what type of cough a pregnant patient has and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment. That is why in no case should she be treated for cough and bronchitis in general on her own, on her own, by prescribing to herself medications, especially those who struggle with cough. After all, an incorrectly chosen medicine will not only not improve general state, and will also make it worse.

Bronchitis in children

The causes of infectious bronchitis in children are viruses or harmful bacteria that have entered the human body. Allergic bronchitis occurs due to exposure of the child’s respiratory system to irritants and allergens that have negative impact on lung tissue. Respectively, effective measure The treatment for this type of bronchitis will not be so much with medications as with removing the causes of the disease.

Types of bronchitis

There are such types of bronchitis in children as:

infectious;
allergic.

This classification is based on the causes of its occurrence.

There are types of bronchitis in children, which are based on its duration:

spicy;
recurrent;
chronic.

Acute bronchitis is diagnosed when it lasts about 1-3 weeks, recurrent - when the disease appears at least three times a year, and chronic - when a child has been sick for three months or more, and this has happened for at least 2 years in a row. At the same time, experts also identify a type of disease such as bronchiolitis, which affects children under 1 year of birth.

How to recognize bronchitis in a child

Typically, bronchitis is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever and wheezing when the child breathes. The child’s health and general condition of the body also deteriorate. In this case, you should immediately show the child to the doctor, and not search on the Internet for the answer to the question “How to cure bronchitis in a child,” and after finding the necessary information, independently develop a course of treatment without involving the appropriate specialist. Only in the office can you answer the question “How to cure bronchitis in a child” as accurately as possible pediatrician after examining your child and establishing the correct diagnosis of the disease.

Symptoms of bronchitis

Bronchitis has different shapes and types, so symptoms depend on the nature and development of the disease. The main symptoms of bronchitis include:

dry cough without sputum, weakness, slight increase in body temperature;
chest pain;
feeling of spasm in the throat;
wheezing when coughing and inhaling.

Acute bronchitis causes pain and sore throat, fatigue and lethargy. Then a dry and severe cough appears, after a few days it becomes wet, with the release of slight sputum, yellow or greenish in color. In the severe stage, a high temperature rises. Acute bronchitis lasts for 10 days, then the symptoms gradually subside.

The chronic form of bronchitis begins with wet cough, which can last for several months or years. A characteristic symptom of this form of bronchitis is increased sputum production, especially in the morning and deep cough. Over time, chronic bronchitis develops, the patient experiences weakness, rapid fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing manifests itself in attacks, and muscle pain. Sometimes it can lead to the development of bronchospasms, signs of asthma. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis can be observed in the patient for a long time.

Symptoms of bronchitis in children are frequent coughing with attacks, followed by expectoration with sputum, shortness of breath and whistling breathing, moist rales, and high fever. There is severe weakness, fatigue and apathy. Bronchitis in children continues for 2-3 weeks, since a small child cannot quickly cope with sputum, and the manifestation of the disease is more pronounced than in adults.

Treatment of bronchitis

How to treat bronchitis? This disease requires special attention already in the early stages of development. Treatment of bronchitis in children and adults may differ in some respects, but certain procedures are the same for everyone. The patient must adhere to strict bed rest, since the acute form of bronchitis can cause complications in the lungs. During treatment, you need to drink more warm liquid in the form of tea and herbal decoctions. If the air in the room is dry, it is necessary to humidify it to facilitate coughing up mucus and speed up the healing process. If you have a high temperature during bronchitis, take antipyretic medications.

If bronchitis is severe and accompanied by colds and chronic diseases, the patient must be admitted to the hospital. Mild bronchitis can be cured at home, following all the doctor's recommendations. Treatment of any form of bronchitis includes fighting infection, restoring bronchial patency, and eliminating risk factors for the disease. At improper treatment acute bronchitis quickly develops into a chronic form and recovery takes a long time.

How to treat bronchitis? Acute bronchitis is treated antiviral drugs. Antibiotics for bronchitis are indicated when the disease occurs with a bacterial infection and it needs to be destroyed. In the treatment of bronchitis, expectorant drugs are used - mucolytics, thanks to which the sputum thins, easily drains and is quickly cleared from the bronchi when coughing. Various herbal preparations, syrups, inhalations based on herbs and medications, and thinning agents are widely used in the treatment of bronchitis.

When using integrated approach bronchitis can be cured faster. If there is a strong and hysterical cough, with a small amount of mucus, antitussives are used. When long-term treatment For bronchitis and difficulties in removing sputum, positional drainage is used. For the same purpose, vibration massage is used to make mucus more active. The faster the bronchi are freed from sputum, the sooner the patient will recover.

Treatment of bronchitis in children is carried out taking into account the structure of the respiratory organs and the severity of the disease. In the obstructive form of bronchitis, it is necessary to use drugs that relieve spasms. Simple forms bronchitis is treated using methods of removing phlegm: inhalation, positional massage, exercises, exercises breathing exercises. If bronchitis manifests itself with complications and there is a risk of lung damage, the patient is prescribed antibiotics. Often, treatment of bronchitis in children can take place in a hospital setting.

Prevention of bronchitis

Measures to prevent bronchitis include eliminating all risk factors that provoke the development of the disease: hypothermia, inhalation of toxic and chemical active substances, smoking and alcohol. In cold climates, bronchitis develops faster and is more difficult to treat. Changing climatic conditions and refusing to work in hazardous industries will help prevent the occurrence of bronchitis.

If chronic bronchitis occurs due to harmful conditions in production, must be strictly observed protective measures- use special masks and respirators. But it's best to change jobs. Patients who have recently had bronchitis or a cold, as well as reduced immunity, should avoid communicating with sick people and places with large crowds of people during an outbreak of a flu or cold epidemic.

Great importance in the prevention of bronchitis is given to smoking cessation, since it is one of the provoking factors in the development respiratory diseases. Tobacco and tobacco smoke provokes disease, destroys the surface of the bronchi and lungs. People with chronic bronchitis are strictly prohibited from smoking, as complications may occur on the lungs. Alcoholic drinks should also be limited, and in chronic forms should be completely excluded from consumption, since ethanol negatively affects the mucous membranes.

Regular vaccination against diseases caused by pneumococci and influenza viruses is also included in measures to prevent chronic bronchitis. This type prevention is necessary for both adults and children before the autumn and winter periods.

When the first signs of bronchitis appear, you should immediately get advice and treatment from a doctor. The disease is easier to treat in the early stages of development, avoiding complications. After undergoing treatment for bronchitis, it will be useful for adults, and especially children, to relax and recuperate in a sanatorium-resort complex. Fresh air, hardening procedures, regular gymnastics and good nutrition- all this will help improve health and prevent relapse of bronchitis.

Folk remedies in the treatment of bronchitis

Today, this technique has become even more popular than 10-20 years ago. The thing is that folk remedies for bronchitis provide effective treatment through the use of natural organic ingredients. But the main thing is the almost complete absence side effects when treated with traditional recipes. You will also be able to avoid complications that are quite common when using medications, drug therapy, use of antibiotics.

Don't forget also that medicinal method treatment is accompanied by a number of restrictions and contraindications due to age or physiological characteristics this or that patient. Even spicy and chronic form bronchitis is very susceptible effective treatment, if you carefully and competently study the properties medicinal herbs, plants, animal products and create optimal recipes from them.

Herbs in the treatment of bronchitis

The most popular folk remedies for bronchitis are recipes based on medicinal plants. Thus, chronic and acute forms of bronchitis can be treated with herbs such as marshmallow, licorice root, St. John's wort, thyme, plantain, yarrow, oregano, linden, coltsfoot.

Make a decoction of these herbs and drink warm two to three times a day throughout the day. By the way, even pharmacies sell special herbal infusions that are brewed and drunk. It is reasonable to buy such a collection, since the quantity and quality of herbs were selected by specialists in order to ensure maximum effect. Of course, it is impossible to know how to treat bronchitis with folk remedies without knowing the properties of the herbs that you are going to use. That is why it is advisable for specialists in this field to select plants.

Inhalations and aromatherapy

This is another one excellent tools for bronchitis. Now we will tell you how to cure bronchitis with folk remedies using inhalation, as well as aromatherapy, which is gaining momentum in popularity. In principle, you can use an inhaler sold at a pharmacy. If you don’t want to spend money, take into account the old method, known to many since childhood. We're talking about breathing over a pot or bowl while covering your head with a towel. As inhalation agent use steam from hot boiled potatoes. If you add a little ginger or garlic there, the effectiveness will increase. It is also helpful to add a couple of drops of essential oil from thyme, eucalyptus or tea tree.

As for aromatherapy, treating bronchitis at home in this way is not only useful, but also pleasant. For this you will need a special aroma lamp. Also use suitable aroma oils, having the greatest medicinal properties. These can be oils from fruits and trees. Essential oils such as pine buds, fir, orange are considered the most suitable for the treatment of bronchitis.

Milk and bronchitis

Not everyone knows that milk, namely goat milk, has excellent properties. Especially when it comes to traditional medicine. So we treat bronchitis at home and use goat milk. The fact is that this milk does not cause allergic reactions, which means it is suitable for everyone. It is also faster and easier to digest than any other milk.

If you are not allergic to honey, we offer you an excellent home recipe. Take a glass of warm milk and add a tablespoon good honey. Stir thoroughly and start drinking. Just drink in small sips and intermittently so that the milk can warm your throat. Drink these milk formulas twice a day. You can take milk even a little hot, but not cold. Drink the first glass in the morning before meals, that is, at empty stomach. Drink the second one before you go to bed. So if you are satisfied with this recipe, we will be happy to treat bronchitis at home and get rid of the disease in a tasty way.

There is another recipe using milk. By the way, remember one very important thing about goat milk. Do not boil it under any circumstances to achieve the required temperature. Heat until desired, but do not bring to a boil. Otherwise, such a folk recipe will be of no use. The peculiarity of goat's milk is that when it boils, all the beneficial properties come out of it.

As for the recipe, here you will need goat's milk, as well as the famous mineral water Borjomi. Make a kind of cocktail in one to one proportions. The drink should also be warm, but not very hot. Drink in the same way as milk and honey, gradually and twice a day. You can alternate drinks every other day.

Behind long years It turned out that with such a disease as bronchitis traditional methods treatments cope with their tasks more than effectively. Unfortunately, many ancient recipes no longer work due to the fact that certain herbs have disappeared, components have lost their properties as a result of attempts to improve the product through genetic modifications.

A few more recipes for treating bronchitis

We would like to offer you another alternative treatment for bronchitis in adults using other recipes and products that are still relevant and can help you greatly.

Butter. Melt 200 grams of honey, add 200 grams of butter, as well as two grams of propolis. Mix the ingredients, let cool and place in the refrigerator. When the mass hardens, eat one tablespoon an hour before meals.
Aloe juice. If you are lucky enough to make such juice, you are very lucky. This will help not only against bronchitis, but will also perfectly strengthen the body. So, mix the juice, only freshly squeezed, with honey in one to one proportions. Drink a little two or three times throughout the day before each meal.
Ginger. They performed well folk recipes for bronchitis using ginger. It can be used in in different forms- decoction, tea, simple pickled ginger, added to salads or other dishes. When combined with other natural and beneficial ingredients, the value and effectiveness increases.
Cabbage. The recipe is strange, but still effective. To do this, you will need a cabbage leaf, previously coated with honey. Place it on your chest and use it as a compress. Cover yourself only with a warm blanket and do not get out from under it for four hours.
Mustard plasters. They are still very popular in the treatment of bronchitis and similar diseases. The composition of mustard plasters allows you to provide irritant effect, helping to improve blood flow throughout the body. Work efficiency is also improved protective function body, sputum begins to clear better from respiratory organs. If not high temperature, and there are no contraindications from doctors, steam your feet in hot water, adding mustard there. After that, put on warm wool socks, lie down under the blanket and drink one of the drinks prepared according to the recipes that we told you about today.

As you can see, traditional medicine is relevant and effective. It is only important to use its capabilities and potential correctly. Of course, any treatment requires consultation with doctors. So do not ignore advice and contact specialists.

Any inflammatory disease can turn into a chronic disease that torments a person. for a long time, then calming down, then intensifying.

Bronchitis is no exception - catarrhal inflammation of the bronchi with secretion of mucus when coughing.

Attention! ethnoscience in case of relapse, CB is used only as an auxiliary aid, but not as the main therapy. And only after the consent of the attending physician.

In case of exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, special attention is given to breastfeeding(No. 1 and 3):

Chest collection No. 3. It is famous for its expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect. It is used at the beginning of the development of complicated chronic bronchitis without additional exacerbations. The collection consists of marshmallow root (2 parts) and oregano, birch buds and elecampane root (1 part of each plant). The course of additional herbal therapy lasts up to 2-3 months.

Healing potions are prepared according to one recipe: the grass (1.5-2 tbsp.) is steamed with boiling water (200 ml). The container is tightly closed and placed in a boiling water bath for a quarter of an hour (for tincture), and for half an hour to prepare a decoction. After this, the mass is squeezed out, and the finished medicine is diluted with water to 180-200 ml. Take 8-10 times daily: a tablespoon every 1.5-2 hours.

How to treat exacerbation of chronic bronchitis - prevention of relapses

A modern course of therapy for complications of chronic bronchitis includes a physiotherapy course, massages, menu adjustments (more protein, fresh vegetables and fruits are included in the diet) and taking multivitamin complexes and immunomodulators. An important role is also given to the prevention of relapses in chronic bronchitis. Need to:

get vaccinated against flu;
master healthy image life;
completely stop smoking;