Nowadays, people are exposed to a large number of adverse health factors. These are bad ecology, polluted air, smoking, viral infections. All these phenomena can become the culprits of such an extremely unpleasant disease as obstructive bronchitis in adults. Treatment of pathology should be started as early as possible. Indeed, otherwise, rather serious complications may develop.

Characteristics of the disease

Initially, you should understand what constitutes obstructive bronchitis in adults. What it is? This is a rather serious pathology. It is characterized by progressive narrowing of the airways. This state, unfortunately, is practically irreversible. The disease is associated with various diseases occurring in the small airways. In addition, it is characterized by emphysema - a process that destroys the parenchyma of the lungs.

Such phenomena provoke harmful substances, smoke, which the patient encounters on a daily basis. As a result, a person begins to develop an inflammatory response to such influences.

Sometimes the disease is chronic (COPD). This is an extremely serious and serious condition. After all, COPD is incurable. Taking medications, using folk recipes only helps to slow down the development of pathology and significantly improve the patient's condition.

However, do not underestimate the healing recipes. Traditional medicine plays a very important role in the treatment of this ailment. There are cases when patients recovered using herbs, infusions and decoctions as medicines.

Causes of the disease

What leads to the development of such an ailment as obstructive bronchitis in adults? Symptoms and treatment, as well as factors provoking pathology, of course, deserve special attention, but you should not forget about the causes of the development of the disease, because, as you know, any disease is easier to prevent than to cure.

The pathology is characterized by a narrowing of the airways. As a result, the phlegm has no outlet. This condition often leads to the development of an inflammatory process in the lungs.

The culprits of the disease are:

1. Frequent colds.
2. Chronic forms of diseases of the nasopharynx.
3. Bad ecology.
4. Smoking.
5. Harmful workplace conditions. A person with air inhales particles of substances that contribute to the development of the disease.
6. Heredity. If someone in the family suffers from obstructive bronchitis, then the pathology can develop in relatives. At the first symptoms of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Typical symptoms

Doctors say that even at the initial stage, obstructive bronchitis in adults can be suspected. It is best to discuss the symptoms and treatment of the pathology with your doctor. After all, it can be very dangerous to make a diagnosis on your own, and even more so to select a therapy.

The manifestation of signs of the disease depends on the cause of the disease.

If an acute form of the disease has developed as a result of a viral infection, then the patient most often has the following clinical picture:

1. Cough. At first it is dry, with time, sputum production begins. In acute bronchitis, the duration of the cough is one to two weeks. If it does not disappear for a long time, then, most likely, bronchitis has become chronic.
2. Very high temperature (reaches 39 degrees).

When acute bronchitis results from a bacterial infection, it can be mistaken for a common cold. After all, the symptoms are very similar to such ailments: low temperature, wet cough, general state of weakness.

Acute obstructive bronchitis can be cured in a week. Of course, if it is diagnosed in time and the correct therapy is carried out.

If chronic obstructive bronchitis is observed in adults, the symptoms of the pathology are as follows:

• persistent cough, worse in the morning;
• body temperature is mostly normal;
• developing shortness of breath, which is treatable only at an early stage.

Diagnosis of the disease

It is very important to timely identify bronchitis (obstructive) in adults. Treatment and diagnostics are carried out by a pulmonologist.

To accurately determine the pathology, the following studies are used:

• immunological tests;
• general analyzes of urine and blood;
• bronchoscopy;
• listening with a phonendoscope of the lungs;
• and flushes of the respiratory tract;
• tomography of the lungs;
• x-ray.

What to do if bronchitis is confirmed "in adults? How to treat the pathology?"

The patient needs to protect himself as much as possible from the negative effects of the environment and other circumstances that can worsen his health.

To do this, you need to do the following:

1. Take medications and traditional medicines on a regular basis.
2. Quit smoking, including passive smoking.
3. Try not to stay in places with gassed or polluted air.
4. Take preventive action to protect against infections. Try to avoid crowded places, take medications to strengthen the immune system.
5. Ventilate the premises more often, take walks.
6. Do breathing exercises.
7. Eat a healthy diet. Eat foods rich in protein, potassium, vitamin C, calcium. Please note: dairy products that contribute to the formation of phlegm are contraindicated.
8. Drink plenty of liquids (still).
9. Try not to salt your food.

Drug therapy

If obstructive bronchitis is diagnosed in adults, treatment is prescribed exclusively by a doctor (however, as in any other case and for any other disease). And only after a comprehensive examination of the patient has been carried out.

The following medications are usually prescribed:

1. To dilute sputum and expand the alveoli, the drugs Terbutalin and Salbutamol are used.
2. For better sputum separation and relief of cough, the medicines "Ambroxol", "ACC", "Bromhexin" are recommended.
3. Antibiotics (tablets or injections): "Erythromycin", "Amoxicillin", "Azithromycin".
4. Hormonal drugs are rarely prescribed. They are only recommended if other medications do not work. Most often, "Prednisolone" is prescribed.

Treatment with gymnastics, massage and inhalation

These methods are very effective for such an ailment as obstructive bronchitis. In adults, treatment (and in children, in principle, too) includes massage, inhalation, breathing exercises, which helps to quickly restore the body.

1. Do steam inhalation. They are made with soda-alkaline and folk remedies.
2. The method of breathing exercises is recommended after an exacerbation of the disease.
3. Another event provides excellent results. This is sound gymnastics. It works in the following way. When pronouncing various sounds, the vibrations of the ligaments begin. It passes into the respiratory tract. The result is a relaxation of the bronchi. The rules for performing sound gymnastics are prescribed by the doctor for each patient individually.
4. Chest massage - helps to contract the muscles of the bronchi. This stimulates the secretion of phlegm and makes breathing easier.

Traditional medicine recipes

Quite often, healer recipes are included in therapy. They are quite effective in combating an ailment such as obstructive bronchitis in adults. Symptoms and treatment with folk remedies must be discussed with a doctor. There are many recipes for relieving obstructive bronchitis patients.

Here is some of them:

1. A special collection of oregano (200 g), coltsfoot leaves (200 g) and lime blossom (150 g) makes breathing easier. Pour 3 tbsp into a thermos. l. herbal mixture, add 1 liter of boiling water and leave overnight. In the morning strain the infusion and drink in small portions during the day.
2. All patients with obstructive bronchitis have difficulty breathing and to improve the patient's condition, traditional medicine offers such an infusion. Pour 100 g of flaxseeds with half a liter of vegetable oil. Place in a dark and warm place. After two weeks, the infusion is ready, it must be filtered and taken 4 times a day in a tablespoon, washed down with egg yolk.
3. Bay leaf oil extract helps to ease breathing. In addition, it improves the blood supply to the bronchi. Finely chop fresh laurel leaves (100 g) and pour in vegetable oil (preferably olive oil) in the amount of 50 g. Insist for 10 days, then strain. Rub the ready infusion into the chest area overnight.

Patient opinion

So, now you know what treatment should be for such a pathology as obstructive bronchitis in adults. Patient reviews indicate that the medications selected by the doctor bring significant relief.

Folk remedies are also quite popular. Many patients take inhalation. Improvement of the condition after such procedures, according to patients, occurs quickly enough.

Bronchial asthma is prone to periods of exacerbation, which significantly impair the patient's quality of life. A person begins to be bothered by asthma attacks, coughing and severe shortness of breath, and such symptoms do not disappear after taking bronchodilator drugs and are dangerous by the development of status asthmaticus. This is what prompts the asthma patient to seek medical help from a specialist. When prescribing specialized treatment for such conditions, the doctor must prescribe hormonal medications. Consider the role of Prednisolone in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid drug similar in effect to Hydrocortisone. Available in the form of tablets, solution in ampoules for intramuscular and intravenous injections, eye drops and external ointment. In severe asthma attacks and status asthma, after the elimination of a life-threatening condition, they often switch to taking the tablet form of the drug.

The transformation of Prednisolone occurs in the liver, to a lesser extent in the kidneys, due to the interaction of glucuronic and sulfuric acids. As a result of this fusion, an inactive metabolite is formed, which is excreted from the body through the biliary tract, as well as in the urine.

The drug is easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and after 1.5 hours its maximum accumulation in the blood is observed.

Properties and advantages of the drug

The drug in its activity is many times superior to the action of other hormones - Cortisone and Hydrocortisone.

Prednisone is often prescribed for bronchial asthma, since it has the following necessary effects:

• Anti-inflammatory. The drug suppresses the release of inflammatory mediators, which are produced by mast cells and eosinophils; reduces capillary permeability; enhances the resistance of the cell membrane to damaging factors. In general, there is an effect on all stages of inflammation.
• Immunosuppressive. It is associated with a decrease in the activity of both lymphocytes themselves and inhibition of the release of their inflammatory mediators (interleukins, interferon gamma).
• Antiallergic. This is one of the most important actions of the drug, since it is aimed directly at suppressing the reactions caused by the allergen, reducing the swelling of the mucous membrane and the content of eosinophils in the epithelium of the bronchi.

Also, the drug affects the beta-adrenergic receptors of the bronchial system, as a result of which the secretion of sputum and its viscosity are reduced. In addition to the above properties, Prednisolone has an effect on metabolic processes in the body. On the part of protein metabolism, there is an increase in the formation of albumin and a decrease in globulin. When lipid metabolism is affected, triglycerides and fatty acids increase, while carbohydrate metabolism increases the concentration of glucose in the blood, as a result of which hyperglycemia develops. The drug also affects water and electrolyte balances by retaining sodium and water in the body, as well as enhancing the excretion of potassium.

Compared to Cortisone and Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone does not lead to dramatic changes in the concentration of water and electrolytes in the body.

All these properties of the drug justify its appointment in severe asthma and even in other severe forms of respiratory diseases, in particular, in obstructive bronchitis.

Prednisone for status asthmaticus

If a patient has a life-threatening attack of bronchial asthma, it is necessary to immediately start an intravenous jet injection of Prednisolone with simultaneous monitoring of blood pressure indicators. After, the drug is started to be injected into the vein by drip.

If intravenous infusion is not possible, it is initially allowed to enter Prednisolone intramuscularly, observing the previous dosage. Only after eliminating the patient's life-threatening condition, you can start therapy with the tablet form of Prednisolone.

Tablet form

Prednisolone tablets are usually prescribed by the attending physician if inhalation does not bring any effect. Initially, a high dosage of the drug is used, followed by its reduction to the minimum permissible. It is not recommended to take Prednisolone tablets during the first course of treatment longer than 16 days. Typically, the entire daily dose of the drug is prescribed to the asthma patient to be consumed at one time. If the dosage is too high, the reception can be divided into 2-4 times per day.

Prednisolone is also allowed to be taken in a double dose every other day, and clinical research data indicate the greater effectiveness of this method of therapy.

For children, the calculation of the required amount of the drug is carried out taking into account the body weight. Taking hormonal medications should always take place in the morning - from six to eight in the morning, after or during a meal.

It is important that the dose of Prednisolone is selected in accordance with the severity of the patient's condition!

A temporary increase in the amount of the drug is possible with the risk of an exacerbation, for example, in the presence of a stress factor. It is necessary to cancel the drug only gradually, and the longer the therapy with Prednisolone lasted, the slower it is necessary to reduce its dose.

Side effects

Prednisolone, taken for asthma, can contribute to a number of side effects from many organs and systems. As a rule, this is due to prolonged use of the drug or its incorrect dosage:

• On the part of the gastrointestinal tract, dyspeptic symptoms (hiccups, vomiting, nausea), impaired appetite, bloating, ulceration of the gastric or intestinal mucosa (duodenal ulcer), increasing the risk of bleeding, may disturb.
• From the side of the heart, there may be a violation of the rhythm of the heart and a decrease in the frequency of its contractions, an increase in blood pressure numbers.
• From the side of the nervous system - headaches accompanied by dizziness, sleep disturbances, convulsions. Very rarely, hallucinatory and manic-depressive syndromes, disorientation in place and time can be observed.
• Metabolic disorders - an increase in blood glucose levels leads to the development of diabetes mellitus, and impaired adrenal function leads to the formation of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome in humans. Weight gain, excessive sweating, and peripheral edema may occur as a result of excess fluid and sodium accumulation.
• Allergic manifestations - the appearance of rashes on the skin, accompanied by itching. The likelihood of anaphylactic shock on the background of drug administration is low.

To reduce the risk of adverse reactions, the attending physician often, along with Prednisolone, recommends that the patient consume food rich in proteins and vitamins, as well as potassium preparations and antacids.

In case of an overdose with Prednisolone, symptomatic therapy is performed. With a sharp discontinuation of the drug or an incorrect decrease in its dosage, a withdrawal syndrome occurs, which is characterized by an aggravation of the symptoms of bronchial asthma. Only strict adherence to the prescriptions of the attending physician can protect against the development of the above symptoms.

Self-administration of the drug and adjusting its dosage are strictly prohibited!

When should you not take Prednisolone?

The absolute limitation to the appointment of this drug, even in the presence of vital indications, is the presence of a person intolerance to Prednisolone. Since the drug contains lactose, it is not prescribed for people suffering from intolerance to this substance.

Particular attention should be paid to the appointment of the drug in the presence of the following concomitant diseases:

• With the pathology of the digestive system (ulcerative lesions of the stomach, gastritis and ulcerative colitis).
• Cardiovascular disease (fresh myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, high blood pressure).
• If a person has diabetes, Itsenko-Cushing's disease and thyroid dysfunction.
• During or with a recent infectious disease. In the case of the development of a severe infectious process, Prednisolone is prescribed only simultaneously with specific therapy.
• Within eight weeks before and two weeks after vaccination.
• With severe changes in the functional ability of the liver and kidneys.
• With osteoporosis and glaucoma.

Prednisolone for asthma in pregnant women is used only in the presence of vital indications, when the benefits outweigh the risks from its use. It is not recommended to use the drug during lactation.

Possible interactions and treatment control

The simultaneous administration of Prednisolone for asthma with a number of other drugs can provoke deviations in laboratory parameters and worsen the patient's well-being. The most common possible interactions to avoid are:

• Diuretics, as well as Amphotericin B, in combination with Prednisolone, increase the excretion of potassium. Amphotericin B also increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart failure.
• Prescribing Prednisolone with drugs that contain sodium increases the likelihood of edema and an increase in blood pressure numbers.
• Simultaneous reception with cardiac glycosides aggravates hypokalemia and provokes the occurrence of ventricular extrasystoles.
• Reception with anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Concomitant use with paracetamol or cyclosporin increases toxic liver damage.
• Simultaneous reception with m-anticholinergics provokes an increase in intraocular pressure.
• Prescribing Prednisolone with immunosuppressants, you can provoke the development of infectious diseases or lymphoma.

With hormone therapy, it is important to monitor changes in laboratory tests: electrolyte levels, blood sugar.

Compliance with all the rules for taking Prednisolone for bronchial asthma can guarantee the effectiveness of treatment and the elimination of symptoms that determine the severity of the patient's condition.

Drug therapy for bronchial asthma is one of the key points in maintaining the body. Since it cannot be completely cured, it is necessary to take medications that make it easier for the body to cope with the disease. Most often, dexamethasone is prescribed for asthma attacks, but other drugs can be used.

Means for therapy

Drugs that are prescribed to maintain the body in bronchial asthma:

1. Glucocorticoids - their action is aimed at reducing the secretory activity of the bronchi, improving the coughing of mucus. They have an anti-inflammatory effect. They are used by inhalation. The main drugs: aldecin, beclocort, becotide - the active ingredient is beclamethasone dipropionate; pulmicort - the active substance budesonide; ingacort - active substance flunisolide. Prescribed for use twice a day.
2. Beta antagonists - aimed at relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi and relieving an asthmatic attack. Short and long acting drugs are used. Short-acting drugs - terbutaline, fenoterol, salbutamol - are prescribed from two to four uses per day. Long-term antagonists provide relaxation of the muscles for 9-12 hours, are prescribed twice a day. The main drugs are formoterol and salmeterol. They must be consumed exactly as prescribed by a doctor, since an increased dosage can lead to side effects: headache, tremors, tachycardia.
3. Methylxanthines - xanthine derivatives, reduce the contractile activity of smooth muscles and have a bronchodilating effect (dilate the bronchi). Most often, drugs based on theophylline and aminophylline are used. In some cases, combined funds are used.
4. Cholinolytic agents - atropine or metacin - are used to relieve spasm during seizures. The dose of use is determined by the doctor.
5. Antihistamines are drugs aimed at reducing the effects of an allergen on the body. The most commonly used are claritin, loratadine, and ketotifen.
6. Means for thinning sputum - aimed at improving coughing and reducing bronchial edema. For this, decoctions of medicinal herbs, inhalations are often used. Tablets for patients with bronchial asthma are contraindicated, since they can cause bronchospasm.
7. Sedatives - In some cases, seizures may occur more often because the patient is afraid of their occurrence. Therefore, sedatives must be used to keep the patient more calm.

In addition, a hydrocortisone analog is often used to treat asthma.

Prednisolone

Treatment of bronchial asthma with prednisolone is used in cases where the rest of the therapy does not give the desired result (for example, in severe chronic asthma).

• For quick relief from an attack, prednisone is given intravenously. The decision on how many cubes to inject is made by the doctor in the hospital.
• For therapy, first a large dosage of prednisolone in tablets (up to 60 mg per day) is prescribed, gradually decreasing it. After reaching the minimum dose, the drug can be taken every other day to minimize possible side effects from taking hormonal drugs.
• During a severe attack, prednisone should be taken immediately, as it reduces the risk of bronchial edema and the likelihood of relapse.
• If there is no possibility of intravenous administration of the drug, it must be used in the form of tablets.

According to the instructions for use, prednisolone is prescribed for 10 days at the same time as inhaled drugs. In this case, the dose of the drug taken is gradually reduced. After 10 days, it can be canceled.

List of drugs

In addition to prednisolone, drugs with a different spectrum of action are used to relieve seizures and as a basic therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

1. Berodual - eliminates suffocation by expanding the lumen of the bronchi, providing oxygen access. Combined preparation with two active ingredients that complement the action. It is used in the form of an aerosol with a certain number of doses and in inhalation solutions. Improvement after injection of the drug occurs in 10-15 minutes.
2. Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Reduces bronchial edema and dilutes phlegm. Available in pill form. With its use, the risk of side effects is less than with other corticoids.
3. Euphyllin is a fast-acting drug aimed at relieving bronchospasm. During severe exacerbations, it is used in the form of injections, tablets or powder are prescribed as therapy.
4. Salbutamol is a selective beta-adrenergic agonist that is used to quickly relieve seizures. It is produced in inhalers with a certain number of doses. The effect occurs within 5 minutes after application. For therapy, this drug is also used in the form of syrup and tablets. In the last 10 years, the drug has been produced in long-acting tablets (up to 12 hours).

These are the most effective drugs that are used to quickly stop seizures and maintain the patient's body.

Medicinal herbs can also be used to treat asthma. They have a bronchodilator effect, relieve spasms, thin phlegm and relieve swelling. It is advisable to use the following herbs: linden, coltsfoot, sage. Patient reviews confirm their mild action. But, before using broths, you need to consult with your doctor in order not to harm the body.

Prevention of seizures

A patient with bronchial asthma knows how debilitating attacks can be. Therefore, it is important for him to perform certain actions and take glucocorticoids correctly in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of suffocation.

• Ventilate the room more often.
• Walk more - even minimal physical activity has a healing effect on the bronchi. Walking through coniferous forests will be especially useful.
• Get rid of things in the house that trigger seizures. It is advisable to leave in the room where the patient sleeps as little as possible upholstered furniture that collects dust.
• If possible, get rid of pets, as their hair is quite allergenic (especially in cats).
• Exclude from the diet foods that can provoke increased bronchial reactivity (their list is determined when conducting an allergy test).
• Try not to smoke and minimize alcohol consumption.
• Do breathing exercises.
• Try to avoid stress and increased physical exertion.
• Drink herbal teas that increase immunity.
• Do not self-medicate, do not exceed or reduce the dose of glucocorticoids prescribed by your doctor.

An asthma patient may also keep an attack diary, which records all information about the attacks. It is important to write down what exactly caused the choking, what was used to stop it, after what time the attack ended. This will help you navigate what else can be done to reduce the frequency of attacks.

It is especially important to keep a diary if prednisone or other drugs are used to help the child with choking.

With such a serious illness as bronchial asthma, it is necessary to avoid situations that cause an attack and be treated correctly. It is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and take the medications that he prescribed.

The appointment for the relief of attacks in bronchial asthma of prednisolone cannot be performed by the patient on his own, since improper use of this drug can cause an allergic reaction and bronchial edema.

Maxim Leonidovich, 45 years old

As the doctor told me, asthma therapy should not be longer than 16 days. The prednisolone prescription scheme was as follows from the beginning of treatment: 5-6 mg per day, when my condition improved, I switched to 3 mg per day. I used prednisone 2 tablets every other day. According to the doctor, it is this "intermittent regimen" of treatment that is more effective.

How to treat obstructive bronchitis

The number of patients with this severe respiratory injury is rapidly increasing. As predicted by the WHO, obstructive bronchitis will soon become the world's second leading cause of death, ahead of cancer, heart attacks and strokes.

Medication for obstructive bronchitis

What is obstructive bronchitis and how is it treated? There are many reasons due to which the lower respiratory tract becomes irritated and inflamed: harmful chemical compounds in the air, dust, plant secretions, bacterial, viral infection. The lumens of the bronchi, their small branches of the bronchioles swell and narrow. The accumulating phlegm, finding no way out, stagnates. As a result, the person has difficulty breathing, he suffers from attacks of suffocation.

However, this is not so bad. Obstruction (muscle spasms) triggers a dangerous mechanism of degradation of the bronchial tree. Gradually, the pathological process becomes almost irreversible. Obstructive bronchitis is a common disease in adults. For children, prolonged acute inflammation of the lower respiratory tract is characteristic, especially if the child has weak immunity.

Often the ailment occurs against the background of rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Treatment of chronic obstructive bronchitis in adults requires not relieving symptoms, not episodic therapy, but patient complex sanitation of the entire respiratory system, which can take more than one month. Only under this condition does a serious illness stop progressing.

Treatment is distinguished by a variety of schemes, which take into account the stages of the disease, the degree of destruction of the respiratory system. No medication will have the desired effect if the person continues to smoke. As soon as the patient refuses nicotine, the condition of his bronchi improves significantly, even in heavy smokers with advanced forms of the disease.

Bronchodilators

These are bronchodilators, bronchodilators, as pharmacists and doctors call such medicines. Different in the mechanism of action, drugs are combined into a single group, since their general purpose is to eliminate spasms of diseased bronchi. To cure a patient with obstructive bronchitis, such a basic drug is urgently needed. The spasms go away quickly as the bronchi dilate.

Holinoblockers

The main medicines for the relief of attacks of bronchospasm:

• Atrovent (Ipratropium bromide) - aerosol and solution for inhalation, acting quickly, after 10-15 minutes, but not for long, about 5 hours;
• Berodual (Ipratropium bromide plus Fenoterol) - also short-acting;
• Spiriva (Tiotropium bromide) is a long-acting inhalation powder.

Beta-adrenomimetics

The effect of short-acting drugs occurs in a matter of minutes, and lasts about 5 hours. They can be used to treat obstructive bronchitis with acute attacks of bronchospasm. The most famous:

• Salbutamol - aerosol for inhalation with a dispenser (solution for injections and tablets are less in demand), ambulance for asthmatic attacks;
• Fenoterol tablets are more effective than Salbutamol;
• Ipradol (Hexoprenaline) - metered dose aerosol.

The effect of long-acting medications occurs in about 15 minutes, but lasts twice as long, about 10-12 hours:

• Clenbuterol is a syrup that can be treated after the first trimester of pregnancy, with breastfeeding, infancy of children;
• Salmeterol - for inhalation, preferable for cardiac pathologies;
• Foradil (Formoterol) - both tablets and powder for inhalation.

Xanthine derivatives

These drugs for the relief of spastic attacks, which cause an obstructive form of the disease, are available in the form of tablets, capsules, and injection solutions. Methylxanthines in demand such as:

• Theophylline;
• Aminophylline;
• Theobromine;
• Euphyllin;
• extended-release tablets: Teotard, Teopek, Retafil.

How to take Prednisolone for bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is prone to periods of exacerbation, which significantly impair the patient's quality of life. A person begins to be bothered by asthma attacks, coughing and severe shortness of breath, and such symptoms do not disappear after taking bronchodilator drugs and are dangerous by the development of status asthmaticus. This is what prompts the asthma patient to seek medical help from a specialist. When prescribing specialized treatment for such conditions, the doctor must prescribe hormonal medications. Consider the role of Prednisolone in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Briefly about the drug

Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid drug similar in effect to Hydrocortisone. Available in the form of tablets, solution in ampoules for intramuscular and intravenous injections, eye drops and external ointment. In severe asthma attacks and status asthma, after the elimination of a life-threatening condition, they often switch to taking the tablet form of the drug.

The transformation of Prednisolone occurs in the liver, to a lesser extent in the kidneys, due to the interaction of glucuronic and sulfuric acids. As a result of this fusion, an inactive metabolite is formed, which is excreted from the body through the biliary tract, as well as in the urine.

The drug is easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and after 1.5 hours its maximum accumulation in the blood is observed.

Properties and advantages of the drug

The drug in its activity is many times superior to the action of other hormones - Cortisone and Hydrocortisone.

Prednisone is often prescribed for bronchial asthma, since it has the following necessary effects:

• Anti-inflammatory. The drug suppresses the release of inflammatory mediators, which are produced by mast cells and eosinophils; reduces capillary permeability; enhances the resistance of the cell membrane to damaging factors. In general, there is an effect on all stages of inflammation.
• Immunosuppressive. It is associated with a decrease in the activity of both lymphocytes themselves and inhibition of the release of their inflammatory mediators (interleukins, interferon gamma).
• Antiallergic. This is one of the most important actions of the drug, since it is aimed directly at suppressing the reactions caused by the allergen, reducing the swelling of the mucous membrane and the content of eosinophils in the epithelium of the bronchi.

Also, the drug affects the beta-adrenergic receptors of the bronchial system, as a result of which the secretion of sputum and its viscosity are reduced. In addition to the above properties, Prednisolone has an effect on metabolic processes in the body. On the part of protein metabolism, there is an increase in the formation of albumin and a decrease in globulin. When lipid metabolism is affected, triglycerides and fatty acids increase, while carbohydrate metabolism increases the concentration of glucose in the blood, as a result of which hyperglycemia develops. The drug also affects water and electrolyte balances by retaining sodium and water in the body, as well as enhancing the excretion of potassium.

Compared to Cortisone and Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone does not lead to dramatic changes in the concentration of water and electrolytes in the body.

All these properties of the drug justify its appointment in severe asthma and even in other severe forms of respiratory diseases, in particular, in obstructive bronchitis.

Prednisone for status asthmaticus

If a patient has a life-threatening attack of bronchial asthma, it is necessary to immediately start an intravenous jet injection of Prednisolone with simultaneous monitoring of blood pressure indicators. After, the drug is started to be injected into the vein by drip.

If intravenous infusion is not possible, it is initially allowed to enter Prednisolone intramuscularly, observing the previous dosage. Only after eliminating the patient's life-threatening condition, you can start therapy with the tablet form of Prednisolone.

Tablet form

Prednisolone tablets are usually prescribed by the attending physician if inhalation does not bring any effect. Initially, a high dosage of the drug is used, followed by its reduction to the minimum permissible. It is not recommended to take Prednisolone tablets during the first course of treatment longer than 16 days. Typically, the entire daily dose of the drug is prescribed to the asthma patient to be consumed at one time. If the dosage is too high, the reception can be divided into 2-4 times per day.

Prednisolone is also allowed to be taken in a double dose every other day, and clinical research data indicate the greater effectiveness of this method of therapy.

For children, the calculation of the required amount of the drug is carried out taking into account the body weight. Taking hormonal medications should always take place in the morning - from six to eight in the morning, after or during a meal.

It is important that the dose of Prednisolone is selected in accordance with the severity of the patient's condition!

A temporary increase in the amount of the drug is possible with the risk of an exacerbation, for example, in the presence of a stress factor. It is necessary to cancel the drug only gradually, and the longer the therapy with Prednisolone lasted, the slower it is necessary to reduce its dose.

Side effects

Prednisolone, taken for asthma, can contribute to a number of side effects from many organs and systems. As a rule, this is due to prolonged use of the drug or its incorrect dosage:

• On the part of the gastrointestinal tract, dyspeptic symptoms (hiccups, vomiting, nausea), impaired appetite, bloating, ulceration of the gastric or intestinal mucosa (duodenal ulcer), increasing the risk of bleeding, may disturb.
• From the side of the heart, there may be a violation of the rhythm of the heart and a decrease in the frequency of its contractions, an increase in blood pressure numbers.
• From the side of the nervous system - headaches accompanied by dizziness, sleep disturbances, convulsions. Very rarely, hallucinatory and manic-depressive syndromes, disorientation in place and time can be observed.
• Metabolic disorders - an increase in blood glucose levels leads to the development of diabetes mellitus, and impaired adrenal function leads to the formation of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome in humans. Weight gain, excessive sweating, and peripheral edema may occur as a result of excess fluid and sodium accumulation.
• Allergic manifestations - the appearance of rashes on the skin, accompanied by itching. The likelihood of anaphylactic shock on the background of drug administration is low.

To reduce the risk of adverse reactions, the attending physician often, along with Prednisolone, recommends that the patient consume food rich in proteins and vitamins, as well as potassium preparations and antacids.

In case of an overdose with Prednisolone, symptomatic therapy is performed. With a sharp discontinuation of the drug or an incorrect decrease in its dosage, a withdrawal syndrome occurs, which is characterized by an aggravation of the symptoms of bronchial asthma. Only strict adherence to the prescriptions of the attending physician can protect against the development of the above symptoms.

Self-administration of the drug and adjusting its dosage are strictly prohibited!

When should you not take Prednisolone?

The absolute limitation to the appointment of this drug, even in the presence of vital indications, is the presence of a person intolerance to Prednisolone. Since the drug contains lactose, it is not prescribed for people suffering from intolerance to this substance.

Particular attention should be paid to the appointment of the drug in the presence of the following concomitant diseases:

• With the pathology of the digestive system (ulcerative lesions of the stomach, gastritis and ulcerative colitis).
• Cardiovascular disease (fresh myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, high blood pressure).
• If a person has diabetes, Itsenko-Cushing's disease and thyroid dysfunction.
• During or with a recent infectious disease. In the case of the development of a severe infectious process, Prednisolone is prescribed only simultaneously with specific therapy.
• Within eight weeks before and two weeks after vaccination.
• With severe changes in the functional ability of the liver and kidneys.
• With osteoporosis and glaucoma.

Prednisolone for asthma in pregnant women is used only in the presence of vital indications, when the benefits outweigh the risks from its use. It is not recommended to use the drug during lactation.

Possible interactions and treatment control

The simultaneous administration of Prednisolone for asthma with a number of other drugs can provoke deviations in laboratory parameters and worsen the patient's well-being. The most common possible interactions to avoid are:

• Diuretics, as well as Amphotericin B, in combination with Prednisolone, increase the excretion of potassium. Amphotericin B also increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart failure.
• Prescribing Prednisolone with drugs that contain sodium increases the likelihood of edema and an increase in blood pressure numbers.
• Simultaneous reception with cardiac glycosides aggravates hypokalemia and provokes the occurrence of ventricular extrasystoles.
• Reception with anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Concomitant use with paracetamol or cyclosporin increases toxic liver damage.
• Simultaneous reception with m-anticholinergics provokes an increase in intraocular pressure.
• Prescribing Prednisolone with immunosuppressants, you can provoke the development of infectious diseases or lymphoma.

With hormone therapy, it is important to monitor changes in laboratory tests: electrolyte levels, blood sugar.

Compliance with all the rules for taking Prednisolone for bronchial asthma can guarantee the effectiveness of treatment and the elimination of symptoms that determine the severity of the patient's condition.

Prednisone for asthma and bronchitis

Prednisolone - a drug from the group of glucocorticoids, is an analogue of hydrocortisone. Has an impact at the system level. It is prescribed for bronchial asthma and other diseases requiring a rapid increase in the level of adrenal hormones in the blood.

The action of the drug for allergies and inflammation

It has an effect in the following ways:

1. Prevents the destruction of lysosome membranes and the release of proteolytic enzymes. Thus, in the event of tissue damage, pro-inflammatory proteolytic enzymes remain in the lysosomes.
2. Reduces vascular permeability, prevents the outflow of blood plasma into the tissue. The drug prevents the development of edema.
3. It inhibits the migration of leukocytes to the focus of inflammation and phagocytosis of damaged cells.
4. It has an immunosuppressive effect, reducing the formation of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Large doses cause involution of the lymphoid tissue.
5. Reduces fever by suppressing the release of interleukin-1 from leukocytes, which activates the hypothalamic center of thermoregulation.
6. Suppresses the formation of antibodies.
7. Inhibits the reaction of interaction of foreign proteins with antibodies.
8. It inhibits the release of allergy mediators from basophils and mast cells.
9. Reduces the sensitivity of tissues to histamine and other biologically active substances that have a pro-inflammatory effect.
10. Suppresses biosynthesis of prostaglandins, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor.
11. Reduces the viscosity of mucus in the bronchi.
12. Increases the affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors of the bronchial tree for catecholamines, resulting in increased blood pressure.

Prednisolone suppresses allergic reactions and inflammation.

Under its influence, scarring of the connective tissue slows down. Glucocorticoids stimulate the production of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. Long-term use of them can cause polycythemia.

Influence on metabolism

At the systemic level, the drug affects the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. In liver cells, the amount of enzymes necessary for the formation of glucose from amino acids and other substances increases. Due to the stimulation of gluconeogenesis, a glycogen reserve is formed in the liver. The level of glucose in the blood rises, while the consumption of carbohydrates by the cells decreases. An increase in the concentration of sugar in the blood triggers the synthesis of insulin by the cells of the pancreas. The sensitivity of tissues to insulin decreases under the action of glucocorticoids.

Adrenal cortex hormones reduce the concentration of amino acids in all cells of the body, except for hepatocytes. At the same time, the level of globulin proteins and amino acids in the blood plasma increases, the level of albumin decreases. In the tissues, there is an intense breakdown of proteins. The released amino acids enter the liver, where they are used to synthesize glucose.

Prednisolone stimulates lipid catabolism. The concentration of free fatty acids in the blood plasma increases, they are used as a source of energy. The drug reduces the excretion of water and sodium from the body, increases the excretion of potassium... Reduces the absorption of calcium in the gastrointestinal tract and bone mineralization.

Long-term use of Prednisolone reduces the synthesis of corticotropin by the adenohypophysis, as a result of which the formation of endogenous glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex decreases.

Forms of drug release

Produced in the form:

• tablets of 1 and 5 mg,
• solution for injection with an active ingredient content of 15 and 3 mg,
• ointments for external use,
• eye drops.

The drug has a systemic effect only when administered by injection or oral administration. Injections can be either intravenous or intramuscular.

Prednisone for bronchial asthma

When choosing a drug for basic therapy, the physician should take into account the severity of asthma and the presence of complications. The age and body weight of the patient is also important. Prednisolone is prescribed for severe forms of the disease, when inhaled corticosteroids do not have a therapeutic effect.

In the first days of treatment, it is recommended to take up to 60 mg of the drug per day, gradually reducing the dose of the drug.... The duration of the course varies from 3 to 16 days. Cancellation of systemic glucocorticoids should be gradual to avoid the development of hypofunction of the adrenal cortex.

The optimal time for taking is in the morning, which is associated with the natural rhythms of the functioning of the endocrine system. The tablets should be drunk once a day, but if very large doses are prescribed, a fractional dose is possible. Some doctors believe that the maximum effect of Prednisolone is achieved with the introduction of the drug in the middle of the day. The maintenance dose of the medication can be taken every other day.

Prednisolone in asthma is combined with β 2 -adrenomimetics of prolonged action, bronchodilators, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. To mitigate side effects, it is recommended to increase the intake of potassium with food or medications while taking Prednisolone.

For other diseases of the respiratory system

Prednisolone is used not only for the treatment of bronchial asthma, but also for the following diseases of the respiratory system:

• acute alveolitis,
• sarcoidosis,
• tuberculosis,
• aspiration pneumonia,
• lung cancer,
• purulent tonsillitis,
• allergic bronchitis.

In cancer, Prednisolone supplements the surgical removal of the tumor, the use of cytostatics and radiation. For the treatment of tuberculosis, glucocorticoids are prescribed in conjunction with chemotherapy. With angina, the use of Prednisolone and other hormonal drugs is indicated only in combination with antibiotics. Glucocorticoids reduce inflammation and fever, but do not suppress the activity of pathogenic microflora.

Prednisolone for bronchitis is used if the disease has an allergic etiology and is complicated by obstruction.

Contraindications

An absolute contraindication for taking the drug is individual intolerance to the active substance or auxiliary components. The medicine is used with caution when:

Taking corticosteroids by a pregnant woman can cause adrenal hypofunction and impaired growth in the fetus. It is undesirable to use Prednisolone before and after vaccination, since the drug suppresses the immune response.

Side effects

The most common side effects of treatment are:

• obesity with the deposition of excess fat on the face and in the neck-collar area,
• increased blood glucose,
• arterial hypertension,
• arrhythmias,
• bradycardia,
• thrombosis,
• disorders of the digestive system,
• neuroses,
• psychical deviations,
• swelling
• delayed scar formation,
• manifestations of allergies,
• exacerbation of chronic infectious diseases.

Compared with other systemic hormonal drugs, Prednisolone has a weak mineralocorticoid effect and a mild effect on skeletal muscles.

What drugs can be replaced

With bronchial asthma, you can use the following systemic glucocorticoids:

• methylprednisolone,
• dexamethasone,
• betamethasone,
• triamcinolone.

Despite the similarity of the effects on the body, the listed drugs cannot be considered complete analogues. They differ in metabolic rate, the severity of the therapeutic effect and side effects.

Methylprednisolone and Prednisolone differ from other drugs in a faster excretion from the body. Methylprednisolone has a slight effect on appetite and psyche, and therefore it is more often prescribed to patients with overweight and mental disabilities.

Triamcinolone is a medium-acting drug. It causes side effects on the part of the skin and muscles, and therefore its long-term use is undesirable.

Dexamethasone and betamethasone are long-acting drugs. Dexamethasone for asthma is prescribed if the patient suffers from a severe form of the disease that turns into asthmatic status. The drug has a more pronounced glucocorticoid activity than Prednisolone, but does not affect water-electrolyte metabolism.

Prednisone for bronchial asthma

Modern medical recommendations for the preventive treatment of bronchial asthma are reduced to the use of inhaled glucocorticoids. The only exception is mild / intermittent disease. The first drug in this group of medicines, beclomethasone dipropionate, was introduced into clinical practice back in 1972 and is still relevant to this day due to its cheapness, availability and safety.

Mechanism of action of glucocorticoids

Taking glucocorticoids has a strong effect on almost all physiological processes of the body. Glucocorticoids are involved in the metabolism of not only proteins, fats and carbohydrates, but also electrolytes.

The mechanism of their action is as follows:

1. Suppression of asthmatic reactions due to non-specific anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Inhibition of antibody production and leukocyte metabolism.
3. Stabilization of the lysosomal membrane.
4. Reducing the production of free histamine by inhibiting its release from mast cells.
5. Increased sensitivity and volume of beta 2-adrenergic receptors.
6. It has a direct relaxing effect on the bronchi.

IMPORTANT! The effect of various glucocorticoids on the metabolic functions of the body as a whole goes beyond allergic manifestations and diseases of the respiratory organs / tract. Therefore, treatment with this group of drugs can cause various adverse reactions.

The essence of the treatment of bronchial asthma with Prednisolone

Currently, 1/5 of patients with bronchial asthma receive glucocorticoid medications as a basic treatment. These drugs are used as necessarily recommended for status asthmaticus, as well as for exacerbation of the disease. One of the most popular short-acting drugs that reduces the likelihood of side effects and complications in glucocorticoid treatment is Prednisolone.

This synthetic drug is prescribed by doctors in situations where the patient has an urgent need for a short-acting glucocorticoid beta 2-agonist once a day or 3 times a week. "Prednisolone" is available in the form of 5 mg tablets for oral administration or in 30 mg ampoules for intravenous and intramuscular use.

The treatment process begins with high doses of the drug, and ends with low doses (“step down” principle). The initial high dosage is prescribed to bring the disease under control as quickly as possible, namely:

• minimize seizures;
• reduce the severity of the course of the disease;
• bring the indicators of lung function closer to more normal;
• minimize side effects from taking medications.

It has been clinically proven that the sooner treatment with a glucocorticoid drug begins, the faster the result of therapy will be seen. The early use of "Prednisolone" blocks the development of the inflammatory process, as well as structural changes in the respiratory tract. The use of "Prednisolone" is especially effective when treating children: the symptoms of bronchial asthma are sharply reduced, the peak flowmetry indicators are improved.

The maintenance therapeutic dose of injectable Prednisolone is 5-10 mg. With prolonged treatment with a drug in a dosage of more than 10 mg, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome may appear.

IMPORTANT! In the treatment of severe bronchial asthma, special attention should be paid to the selection of an adequate dose of the drug.

Illiterate use of the medicine can lead to extremely dangerous consequences and even death. Therefore, the use of this pharmaceutical product should be carried out under the strict supervision of medical personnel in a hospital or attending physician at home. Only an experienced specialist can say for sure with which medicines it can be combined.

Prednisolone tablets for bronchial asthma

The pharmaceutical agent in the form of tablets has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. In addition, the drug has an immunosuppressive effect and increases the sensitivity of beta 2-adrenergic receptors.

It is worth noting the interaction of the drug "Prednisolone" with specific receptors of the cytoplasm, as a result of which a complex is formed that helps to start the process of protein formation. If we talk about protein metabolism, then this drug reduces the number of globulins in the blood, increases the synthesis of albumin, and also increases the energy metabolism of protein in muscle tissue.

The antiallergic effect of "Prednisolone" is primarily due to a decrease in the synthesis and release of allergy mediators from the cells. Also, the drug inhibits the release of histamine and other biologically active compounds, reduces the number of circulating basophils, B- / T-lymphocytes, reduces the sensitivity of immune cells that destroy antibodies to allergy mediators (by means of suppressing antibody formation and changing the body's response to an allergen).

In obstructive diseases of the respiratory tract, as well as in bronchial asthma, the effect of "Prednisolone" is mainly due to the relief of inflammatory processes. The following action is of secondary importance:

1. Elimination or significant reduction of the edematous condition of the mucous membranes.
2. Accumulation of circulating immunocomplexes in the bronchial mucosa.
3. Inhibition of erosion and desquamation of the mucous membrane.
4. Reduces the possibility of scar tissue formation.
5. Limits connective tissue reactions.

No less important factors such as an increase in the sensitivity of beta 2-adrenergic receptors of small / medium-sized bronchi to internal catecholamines and external sympathomimetics, a decrease in mucus viscosity and suppression of the synthesis and release of adrenocorticotropic hormone.

How to take Prednisolone for bronchial asthma

The first course of therapy should not exceed 16 days. Experts prescribe starting treatment with 5-6 mg per day, and when the condition stabilizes, use up to 3 mg. The daily maintenance dosage of the tablet form of the medication (1.5-2.5 tablets) is recommended to be taken once, or you can resort to taking a double daily dosage (a slight deviation upward is allowed) every other day - it all depends on the patient's individual indicators and the severity of the course of the disease. Moreover, as clinical practice shows, the second intermittent regimen is more effective.

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, the dosage prescribed by the doctor can be increased to 1400 mg for the entire course. At the same time, with an improvement in the course of the disease and a decrease in its symptoms, the dosage must be immediately gradually reduced.

Scheme of taking Prednisolone: ​​doses

A particularly important role in the treatment of "Prednisolone" is played by strict adherence to doses and the number of tablets per day. Doses are determined purely individually based on the weight and age of the patient, as well as the course of the disease and general health. Based on the fact that the release of glucocorticosteroid substances occurs cyclically, "Prednisolone" is recommended to be taken during the period of active wakefulness - from 6 am to 8 pm.

"Prednisolone" with exacerbation of bronchial asthma can be taken in a dose of up to 6 tablets per day. However, such a dose of the medication should not be taken for too long (the maximum duration of administration is 10 days). It is necessary to gradually reduce the dose to 2 tablets per day. At the same time, American medical experts believe that a greater result from the use of "Prednisolone" will be obtained if it is taken in the middle of the day (13:00 - 15:00), when bronchopulmonary lavage fluid is more effectively suppressed.

IMPORTANT! If bronchial asthma is accompanied by diseases associated with poor patency of the renal canals or inflammatory processes in the joints, then the dose of "Prednisolone" should be increased at the discretion of the attending physician.

At the end of the course of therapy, which can last from several weeks to several years, the dose should be reduced as much as possible. However, it is worth remembering that an abrupt cessation of taking pills is fraught with an exacerbation of bronchial asthma, as well as a refusal in the work of the adrenal glands.

Therapy of bronchial asthma with this drug should be carried out under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. It is also necessary to constantly monitor blood pressure, electrolyte levels in the blood and water in the body. It is periodically necessary to be tested for sugar. After all, Prednisolone tablets are not recommended to be prescribed to diabetics, and if they are used, then only under the supervision of a specialist.

To reduce side effects from taking, doctors introduce medications that contain male hormones into the course of treatment. In order to avoid problems with the work of the heart, taking the medication is often combined with the intake of pharmaceutical potassium and food that contains this trace element. It is worth noting that its use in conjunction with anticoagulants activates the effect of the latter on the body.

It is very important for a particular patient to adhere to the special instructions given to him by the doctor for the reception, process, dosages and the end of the course of treatment. Without this drug, the treatment of bronchial asthma may not be so successful, but it is still not worth resorting to independent use. Even after a medical appointment, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for use, so as not to additionally harm your own health.

Obstructive bronchitis is called inflammation of the bronchi with a sharp narrowing of the lumen, difficulty in exhaling, and respiratory failure. The disease is more common in children, is difficult, treatment is longer than in adults.

With bronchitis, the irritating effect of viruses, bacteria, chlamydia, mycoplasma causes a cough, leads to an increase in the secretion of mucous secretions, the appearance, dysfunctions of the respiratory system.

In children under 3 years of age, acute obstructive bronchitis is caused mainly by respiratory syncytial (RS) viruses, the frequency of diseases among children is 45: 1000.

The disease is characterized by narrowing of the bronchi, which impedes the movement of air.

Narrowing of the bronchi (obstruction) is caused by:

• swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract;
• spasm of smooth muscles of the bronchi.

In both adults and children, both mechanisms are involved in the development of bronchial obstruction, but they are expressed to varying degrees.

Edema becomes the cause of the disease mainly in childhood, especially in babies under 2 years of age. The diameter of the bronchi in children corresponds to age, and the younger the child, the narrower the airway lumen.

Even a slight swelling of the mucous membrane causes a violation of the respiratory function in babies. Obstruction of the bronchi that prevents free expiration is the hallmark of obstructive bronchitis.

The swelling can be caused not only by infection. An increased susceptibility to allergies can cause bronchial edema.

In adults and adolescents, obstructive bronchitis is caused by bronchospasm, while the lumen of the bronchi narrows so much that it significantly complicates exhalation and causes respiratory failure.

Risk factors

• Ambient air pollution - exhaust gases, tobacco smoke, coal, flour dust, vapors of toxic chemicals;
• viral diseases of the respiratory system;
• hereditary factors.

Anatomical, hereditary features are the predisposing factors for the occurrence of bronchial obstruction.

The risk group includes children:

• with insufficient delivery weight;
• suffering from an enlargement of the thymus gland, rickets;
• have had viral diseases up to 1 year;
• who were artificially fed after birth;
• with a predisposition to allergies.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of obstructive bronchitis are difficulty in exhaling, shortness of breath, paroxysmal painful cough. The disease initially occurs in an acute form, acute obstructive bronchitis lasts from 1 week to 3 weeks.

If during the year the acute form is repeated more than 3 times, then the disease is diagnosed as recurrent bronchitis. If the duration of the recurrent form is more than 2 years, it is diagnosed.

Severe clinical symptoms of the disease may appear 3-5 days after the onset of inflammation. The child's condition deteriorates sharply when signs of the disease appear.

The respiratory rate with a difficult wheezing exhalation increases, it can reach up to 50 breaths per minute. The temperature usually does not rise above 37.5 ° C.

Dry, well-defined wheezing on exhalation is a characteristic sign of obstructive bronchitis.

To take a breath, it is necessary to reflexively increase the activity of the auxiliary respiratory muscles. It is clearly noticeable how the wings of the nose inflate in the baby, the muscles are drawn into the intercostal spaces.

A severe course of the disease leads to respiratory failure, oxygen starvation of tissues. Symptoms are bluish tinge to the skin of the fingertips, nasolabial triangle.

With obstructive bronchitis, shortness of breath appears in the morning, is fickle. After coughing up phlegm, dyspnea decreases during daytime activity. Paroxysmal.

Treatment

The main task in the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in adults is to eliminate the bronchospasm that caused respiratory failure.

Treatment of children

Treatment of obstructive bronchial disease in children is aimed primarily at eliminating bronchial edema and bronchospasm.

The choice of drugs depends on the severity of these processes.

Already with an average severity of the disease, children under one year old need to be hospitalized. It is very important to prevent the progression of the disease in infants and toddlers under 2 years of age. With obstructive bronchitis, it is dangerous to self-medicate.

Important! Antitussives are not prescribed for obstructive bronchitis; they can increase bronchial spasm.

Medicines for children

All appointments can only be made by a pulmonologist according to the data of the X-ray of the lungs, blood tests.

In the treatment of obstructive bronchitis, use:

• - funds that relax the smooth muscles of the walls of the bronchi;
• mucolytics, which help thinning phlegm;
• anti-inflammatory drugs of a hormonal and non-hormonal nature.

Prescribing antibiotics

Antibiotics for the treatment of obstructive bronchitis are prescribed to children with the threat of pneumonia, the addition of a bacterial infection.

The drugs of choice are macrolides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, tetracyclines.

The indications for the appointment of antibiotics in infants are:

• a significant increase in temperature lasting more than 3 days;
• pronounced manifestations of bronchial obstruction, not amenable to treatment by other means;
• changes in the lungs that indicate a risk of pneumonia.

In the first year of life, chlamydial, mycoplasma infection becomes the causative agents of infection in the first year of life much more often than previously thought (up to 20-40% of the number of children under one year old with diseases of bronchitis and pneumonia).

In addition, another frequent causative agent of bronchitis in children, the MS virus, causes changes in the bronchi, which weaken their own immunity, and provoke the growth of their own microflora.

The thick mucus accumulated in the bronchi serves as an excellent breeding ground for colonies of various microorganisms - from bacteria to fungi.

For children of the first year of life, with immature immunity, such a test can end tragically. Up to 1% of children under one year old suffering from obstructive bronchitis, and also die annually.

The drug of choice for a typical course of the disease with an elevated temperature is amoxicillin + clavulanate.

In case of its ineffectiveness, an antibiotic from the group of macrolides, cephalosporins is prescribed.

Drugs that improve the condition of the bronchi

The drugs that relieve bronchospasm within 10 minutes are Salbutamol, Terbutaline, Fenoterol.

The spasm is not eliminated so quickly, but Clenbuterol, Atorvent, Traventol, a combined drug are more effective.

These medicines are taken by inhalation through a spacer - a mask that is applied to the face. In such a mask, the child can inhale the medicine without difficulty.

In the treatment of obstructive bronchitis, inhalation methods of treatment have been widely used. The use of aerosol inhalers allows you to quickly improve the patient's condition.

Of the mucolytics, Bromhexine, ACC, Ambroxol are prescribed. Contribute to the liquefaction of sputum, purification of the bronchi inhalation with, Fluimucil.

In this disease, treatment with oxygen inhalation, the use of medicinal plants is indicated.

A combination of thyme and plantain, the main components of Eucabal cough syrup, has a good effect on the condition of the bronchi.

With severe bronchial obstruction, poorly treatable, intravenous administration of hormonal drugs is prescribed - Prednisolone, Dexamethasone.

Adults and children are prescribed Euphyllin, with a complicated course of the disease - glucocorticoids (), anti-inflammatory drugs ().

With an allergic predisposition, antihistamines may be required. Until a year, children are prescribed Zirtek, Parlazin, after 2 years they are treated with Claritin, Erius.

Positively affect the health of children, saline in combination with postural drainage - a technique that improves the discharge of sputum from the bronchi.

How is postural drainage performed?

The procedure is carried out after inhalation. Postural drainage lasts 15 minutes, consists in the fact that the patient is placed in bed so that his legs lie slightly above the head. You can place a pillow under your feet or raise the edge of the bed.

During this procedure, the child must periodically change position, turn on his back, on his side, coughing up phlegm. The drain can be repeated after 3 hours. To obtain a result, drainage must be carried out regularly.

If the child has a runny nose

With obstructive bronchitis in children, chronic bronchitis is often noted.

The flow of mucus, sputum with pus into the lower respiratory tract can cause persistent coughing.

The child must be shown, carefully monitor the condition of the baby's nose. You can independently wash your child's nose with Dolphin, Aquamaris products. Children after 5 years of age are instilled with soft ones, for example, Otrivin.

Complications

Acute obstructive bronchitis can cause:

• bronchial asthma;
• emphysema of the lungs;
• pneumonia.

Violation of the respiratory function leads to a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues, negatively affects the vital activity of absolutely all organs. The developing brain especially suffers from a lack of oxygen in young children.

Forecast

Acute obstructive bronchitis has a favorable prognosis if treated promptly.

A more complex prognosis in case of an allergic predisposition of the patient, the transition of the disease into a chronic form.

Prophylaxis

With frequent colds, it is necessary to purchase an inhaler, and if symptoms of bronchial obstruction appear, inhalations should be carried out with a pharmacy saline solution.

The peak incidence of bronchitis occurs in the spring and autumn. At this time, you need to be especially careful about the health of the child, hypothermia should not be allowed, and the number of contacts with older children should be reduced.

Patients with obstructive bronchitis should try to avoid places where smoking is allowed. It is necessary to observe a sleep regimen, perform feasible physical exercises, and be more often in the fresh air.

Take a test to control your asthma -

Prednisone for bronchial asthma

Modern medical recommendations for the preventive treatment of bronchial asthma are reduced to the use of inhaled glucocorticoids. The only exception is. The first drug in this group of medicines, beclomethasone dipropionate, was introduced into clinical practice back in 1972 and is still relevant to this day due to its cheapness, availability and safety.

Taking glucocorticoids has a strong effect on almost all physiological processes of the body. Glucocorticoids are involved in the metabolism of not only proteins, fats and carbohydrates, but also electrolytes.

The mechanism of their action is as follows:

1. Suppression of asthmatic reactions due to non-specific anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Inhibition of antibody production and leukocyte metabolism.
3. Stabilization of the lysosomal membrane.
4. Reducing the production of free histamine by inhibiting its release from.
5. Increased sensitivity and volume of beta 2-adrenergic receptors.
6. It has a direct relaxing effect on the bronchi.

IMPORTANT! The effect of various glucocorticoids on the metabolic functions of the body as a whole goes beyond allergic manifestations and diseases of the respiratory organs / tract. Therefore, treatment with this group of drugs can cause various adverse reactions.

The essence of the treatment of bronchial asthma with Prednisolone

Currently, 1/5 of patients receive glucocorticoid medications as basic treatment. These drugs are used as necessarily recommended for status asthmaticus, as well as for exacerbation of the disease. One of the most popular short-acting drugs that reduces the likelihood of side effects and complications in glucocorticoid treatment is Prednisolone.

This synthetic drug is prescribed by doctors in situations where the patient has an urgent need for a short-acting glucocorticoid beta 2-agonist once a day or 3 times a week. "Prednisolone" is available in the form of 5 mg tablets for oral administration or in 30 mg ampoules for intravenous and intramuscular use.

The treatment process begins with high doses of the drug, and ends with low doses (“step down” principle). The initial high dosage is prescribed to bring the disease under control as quickly as possible, namely:

• minimize seizures;
• reduce the severity of the course of the disease;
• bring the indicators of lung function closer to more normal;
• minimize side effects from taking medications.

It has been clinically proven that the sooner treatment with a glucocorticoid drug begins, the faster the result of therapy will be seen. The early use of "Prednisolone" blocks the development of the inflammatory process, as well as structural changes in the respiratory tract. The use of "Prednisolone" is especially effective when: the symptoms of bronchial asthma are sharply reduced, the indicators of peak flowmetry are improved.

The maintenance therapeutic dose of injectable Prednisolone is 5-10 mg. With prolonged treatment with a drug in a dosage of more than 10 mg, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome may appear.

IMPORTANT! In the treatment of severe bronchial asthma, special attention should be paid to the selection of an adequate dose of the drug.

Illiterate use of the medicine can lead to extremely dangerous consequences and even death. Therefore, the use of this pharmaceutical product should be carried out under the strict supervision of medical personnel in a hospital or attending physician at home. Only an experienced specialist can say for sure with which medicines it can be combined.

Prednisolone tablets for bronchial asthma

The pharmaceutical agent in the form of tablets has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. In addition, the drug has an immunosuppressive effect and increases the sensitivity of beta 2-adrenergic receptors.

It is worth noting the interaction of the drug "Prednisolone" with specific receptors of the cytoplasm, as a result of which a complex is formed that helps to start the process of protein formation. If we talk about protein metabolism, then this drug reduces the number of globulins in the blood, increases the synthesis of albumin, and also increases the energy metabolism of protein in muscle tissue.

The antiallergic effect of "Prednisolone" is primarily due to a decrease in the synthesis and release of allergy mediators from the cells. Also, the drug inhibits the release of histamine and other biologically active compounds, reduces the number of circulating basophils, B- / T-lymphocytes, reduces the sensitivity of immune cells that destroy antibodies to allergy mediators (by means of suppressing antibody formation and changing the body's response to an allergen).

In obstructive diseases of the respiratory tract, as well as in bronchial asthma, the effect of "Prednisolone" is mainly due to the relief of inflammatory processes. The following action is of secondary importance:

1. Elimination or significant reduction of the edematous condition of the mucous membranes.
2. Accumulation of circulating immunocomplexes in the bronchial mucosa.
3. Inhibition of erosion and desquamation of the mucous membrane.
4. Reduces the possibility of scar tissue formation.
5. Limits connective tissue reactions.

No less important factors such as an increase in the sensitivity of beta 2-adrenergic receptors to internal catecholamines and external sympathomimetics, a decrease in mucus viscosity and suppression of the synthesis and release of adrenocorticotropic hormone.

How to take Prednisolone for bronchial asthma

The first course of therapy should not exceed 16 days. Experts prescribe starting treatment with 5-6 mg per day, and when the condition stabilizes, use up to 3 mg. The daily maintenance dosage of the tablet form of the medication (1.5-2.5 tablets) is recommended to be taken once or you can resort to taking a double daily dosage (a slight deviation upward is allowed) every other day - it all depends on the patient's individual indicators and the severity of the course. Moreover, as clinical practice shows, the second intermittent regimen is more effective.

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, the dosage prescribed by the doctor can be increased to 1400 mg for the entire course. At the same time, with an improvement in the course of the disease and a decrease in its symptoms, the dosage must be immediately gradually reduced.

Scheme of taking Prednisolone: ​​doses

A particularly important role in the treatment of "Prednisolone" is played by strict adherence to doses and the number of tablets per day. Doses are determined purely individually based on the weight and age of the patient, as well as the course of the disease and general health. Based on the fact that the release of glucocorticosteroid substances occurs cyclically, "Prednisolone" is recommended to be taken during the period of active wakefulness - from 6 am to 8 pm.

"Prednisolone" with exacerbation of bronchial asthma can be taken in a dose of up to 6 tablets per day. However, such a dose of the medication should not be taken for too long (the maximum duration of administration is 10 days). It is necessary to gradually reduce the dose to 2 tablets per day. At the same time, American medical experts believe that a greater result from the use of "Prednisolone" will be obtained if it is taken in the middle of the day (13:00 - 15:00), when bronchopulmonary lavage fluid is more effectively suppressed.

IMPORTANT! If bronchial asthma is accompanied by diseases associated with poor patency of the renal canals or inflammatory processes in the joints, then the dose of "Prednisolone" should be increased at the discretion of the attending physician.

At the end of the course of therapy, which can last from several weeks to several years, the dose should be reduced as much as possible. However, it is worth remembering that an abrupt cessation of taking pills is fraught with an exacerbation of bronchial asthma, as well as a refusal in the work of the adrenal glands.

Therapy of bronchial asthma with this drug should be carried out under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. It is also necessary to constantly monitor blood pressure, electrolyte levels in the blood and water in the body. It is periodically necessary to be tested for sugar. After all, Prednisolone tablets are not recommended to be prescribed to diabetics, and if they are used, then only under the supervision of a specialist.

To reduce side effects from taking, doctors introduce medications that contain male hormones into the course of treatment. To avoid the occurrence, taking the medication is often combined with the intake of pharmaceutical potassium and food that contains this trace element. It is worth noting that its use in conjunction with anticoagulants activates the effect of the latter on the body.

It is very important for a particular patient to adhere to the special instructions given to him by the doctor for the reception, process, dosages and the end of the course of treatment. Without this drug, the treatment of bronchial asthma may not be so successful, but it is still not worth resorting to independent use. Even after a medical appointment, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for use, so as not to additionally harm your own health.