Chronic bronchitis treatment. Chronic bronchitis in adults: symptoms and treatment at home

The diagnosis of "chronic bronchitis" does not mean at all that a sick person will have to cough for the rest of his life. The disease is successfully treated to the stage of remission and may not bother the patient for years.

Chronic bronchitis: what is it

The diagnosis of "chronic bronchitis" is made to a patient who has been coughing for more than 2 years, and during the year the cough lasts 3 or more months.
What happens in the body and why is cough the main symptom of the disease?

Chronical bronchitis occurs as a consequence of irritation of the upper respiratory tract, which is accompanied by their inflammation. After acute period disease that is successfully treated, a chronic form of the disease may occur.

In chronic bronchitis, there is always a factor that causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract, for example, smoking, chronic sinusitis, harmful fumes, etc. If after treatment acute illness of the upper respiratory tract, the pathogenic factor is not eliminated, there is a constant chronic inflammation of the bronchi. How to cure chronic bronchitis forever? First of all - to eliminate the factor that provokes the disease.

The bronchi try to cope with disease-causing agents on their own and begin to intensively secrete mucus. inner epithelium bronchi after a while "gets tired" and ceases to cope with a large amount of liquids. Sputum accumulates in the bronchi, pathogenic microflora multiplies on it and inflammation begins.

Accumulations of leukocytes appear, which contribute to damage to the mucous membranes of the bronchi and the appearance of scars, some small bronchi are completely clogged.
There is a constant painful cough, which should help the bronchi to cope with the fluids accumulated in the bronchi. The amount of sputum secreted is constantly increasing, with time sputum with purulent contents appears.

Chronic bronchitis: symptoms

You can talk about chronic bronchitis when the cough does not go away for the second year and lasts more than 3 months in 1 year. Cough is the main symptom of the disease.
Cough accompanied by discharge a large number sputum, including purulent.

As the bronchi are damaged, shortness of breath occurs. At first, difficulty in breathing appears during movement and exertion, then - constantly.

One of the symptoms of the disease is bronchospasm - an asthma attack when the patient cannot exhale air. At the same time, an attack of coughing begins with the release of a clot of sputum.
During the period of exacerbation, the patient feels weakness, weakness, the temperature rises.

Chronic bronchitis: causes

The answer to the question: how to treat chronic bronchitis is unequivocal: under the supervision of a doctor. Also, doctors say: it is not the disease that needs to be treated, but its cause. Therefore, it is important to identify factors that provoke irritation of the upper respiratory tract and, if possible, eliminate them.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to strengthen the immune system and restore the bronchi. What do doctors advise?

• Hardening - only in the period of remission!
• Walking on fresh air.
• Non-burdensome physical exercise, For example, morning work-out with simple exercises.
• healthy food without hot spices.
• Breathing exercises - you need to do it constantly, for example, at the same time as brushing your teeth.

Chronic bronchitis: how to treat

Patients are often concerned about the question: how to cure chronic bronchitis at home? It is very difficult to treat the disease on your own, you need long-term treatment with bed rest. conservative medical treatment, after which a long (several months) treatment with home remedies is carried out, it will allow you to forget about the disease for a long time. Well-treated bronchitis may not bother you for years.

How do doctors treat chronic bronchitis?

Antibiotics

They are prescribed only in the acute phase, when the general intoxication of the body begins and the composition of the blood changes. At the same time, the patient's temperature rises, weakness and weakness appear.

Sputum culture will allow you to determine the individual sensitivity of the body to a certain group of drugs. Antibiotics of various types are effective in the treatment.

• Penicillin derivatives: amoxicillin, amosiklav. The term of their application cannot be less than 5-7 days.
• Macrolides: Sumamed, Rulid, azithromycin. They are assigned to more short time, because they accumulate in the body and continue their therapeutic effect after stopping the intake.
• New generation cephalosporins: Cefaclor, Cefuroxime.
• Fluoroquinolone derivatives: Sparfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin.

Expectorants

When coughing is constantly bothering, how to treat chronic bronchitis?

In the treatment of chronic bronchitis, a wide range of wet cough remedies and mucolytics are used. For liquefaction of sputum, ACC, Mucodin are suitable. As mucoregulators - Ambroxol, Bromhexine. For reflex treatment cough use potassium iodide, preparations of plantain, thyme, marshmallow. As a rule, the type of remedy is determined by the attending physician, depending on the course of the disease.

In order to ensure liquefaction of sputum, along with cough medicines, a large amount of warm drink is taken: tea, compotes, non-carbonated mineral water, milk with soda.

Essential oils

Inhalation of essential oils has an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect. You can use an aroma lamp or a special ceramic pendant in which a ball of cotton wool moistened with oil is placed.

Eucalyptus, fir, rosemary, camphor oils help. You can also breathe over a saucer with chopped onions or garlic.

Inhalations

In chronic bronchitis, inhalations with a compression nebulizer are effective. The device will deliver remedy down to the smallest bronchi. For inhalations, mineral waters (Borjomi), expectorants (ACC, saline), anti-inflammatory drugs (Chlorophyllipt, Rotokan), antibacterial agents (Furacilin, Chlorophyllipt) are used.

Bronchodilators

The most convenient inhalers: Atrovent, Salbutamol, Berodual, etc. Their use requires some skills - you need to simultaneously press the bottle and inhale the drug. Apply them 2-3 times a day if shortness of breath appears.

Massage and gymnastics

Every day, systematically do a chest massage and breathing exercises according to the methods of Buteyko or Strelnikova. Breathing exercises are very effective in the treatment chronic form bronchitis, but you need to do it constantly without interruption.

Immunity Boost

For successful treatment prescribed means to strengthen the immune system. Be sure to take them in the autumn-winter period.

Medicines:

• vitamins of groups B and C;
• extracts of eleutherococcus, ginseng, leuzea and aralia;
• preparations of propolis and aloe;
• immunocorrectors Bronchomunal, Bronchovaxom.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis at home

After drug treatment, you can continue the treatment of chronic bronchitis at home. There are many simple ways increase immunity, strengthen the bronchi and stimulate their normal activity.

How to cure chronic bronchitis on your own?

First of all, you need to recognize the presence of a chronic disease and accept its permanent existence in your life. At the same time, measures are taken to ensure that the disease does not worsen and does not bother the patient for years.

Exist simple rules for a patient with chronic bronchitis.

• A weakened body needs good rest, in the exacerbation phase, it is desirable to observe bed rest.
• Sick bronchi require a sufficient amount of fluid - preference is given to warm drink: tea, juices, mineral water without gas.
• Simple healthy food without hot spices and sauces.
• Humidification in the bedroom. A patient with chronic bronchitis is recommended to have a humidifier in the house. Can apply simple means: a cup of water or a damp cloth on a radiator.
• Patients often develop increased sweating, which leads to hypothermia. Dress warmly and change damp clothes as soon as possible. He considers it very effective in the cold season when going outside to put a piece on his chest natural fur pile to the skin.
• Healthy lifestyle. It refers to smoking cessation, outdoor walks, moderate physical exercise and gradual hardening.
• Change if possible harmful work.

Chronic bronchitis: traditional medicine recipes

If chronic bronchitis has arisen, how to treat it without drugs? In folk medicine, recipes for the restoration of the bronchi have been accumulated for centuries. It should be remembered that the effect of herbal treatment occurs after a long period, when a sufficient concentration of therapeutic agents is formed in the body. Drink herbal remedies need for months.

1. Mixed infusion. The effect occurs after 1 month - shortness of breath stops, coughing fits disappear. After 3 months, the disease goes into remission.
You will need: peppermint - 3 teaspoons, coltsfoot - 3 teaspoons, calendula flowers - 5 teaspoons. The mixture is poured with 3 liters of boiling water and infused for 3 hours in a warm place. The infusion is filtered and taken 5-6 glasses a day for 3 months.

2. honey syrup from black radish. Black radish is grated or finely chopped, honey is added in equal proportions. Take the remedy every hour for 1 tbsp. spoon.

3. Rubbing the chest. tablespoon castor oil mixed with a tablespoon of purified turpentine. Rubbing can be done at night, and if the patient is at home, then during the day.

4. Infusion of sage. A tablespoon of sage is placed in an enamel bowl, poured with a glass of milk and brought to a boil. The infusion is filtered and boiled again. Drink hot before bed.

5. Herbal preparations.

1. Coltsfoot leaves, black elderberry flowers, knotweed grass are mixed in equal proportions. 2 tablespoons of the mixture pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Drink warm.
2. Leaves of coltsfoot, oregano, chamomile are mixed in equal proportions. 2 tablespoons of the mixture is poured with 2 cups of boiling water and infused for 8 hours (cooked overnight). Drink warm.
3. Thyme (thyme) 2 tablespoons pour a glass of boiling water and boil in a water bath for half an hour. Filter and add the broth to 200 ml. Drink during the day 3 times a third of a glass.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis is a long process. After treatment, the patient will have to constantly follow the recommendations that will avoid exacerbation of the disease.

Cough, shortness of breath, pain in chest, a feeling of lack of air and general weakness, a temperature that long time stays at or above 37 ° C - these are symptoms of chronic bronchitis, a serious disease that is often diagnosed in adults, especially in the second half of life. Fortunately, there is a cure for it, and if it is taken on time, it is possible to completely get rid of the disease.

According to the WHO ( World Organization health care) chronic bronchitis is the second most common, after bronchial asthma, nonspecific disease of the bronchopulmonary system in adults, with which they go to medical institutions.

Chronic bronchitis and its symptoms appear if progressive diffuse inflammation is present in the bronchi. The disease is characterized by a sluggish course and occurs due to prolonged exposure to the mucosa. bronchial tree aggressive agents. In this case, changes occur in the mechanism of sputum production, there is a violation in the mechanism of self-purification of the bronchi.

There are WHO criteria according to which the diagnosis of the chronic form inflammatory process in the bronchi is possible if sputum is coughed up by patients for three months (in a row or in total for a year).

Chronic inflammation of the bronchi is:

• primary (independent disease);
• secondary (due to bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, other diseases).

According to the type of flow, non-obstructive and obstructive bronchitis are distinguished in a chronic form. Obstructive is diagnosed if supersecreted sputum clogged the bronchial lumen, disrupted its patency. Treatment of this type of disease is more complicated.

The causes of the disease are:

1. Infections. The anamnesis of patients with chronic bronchitis in adults is frequent acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, etc. infectious diseases respiratory system. Viruses and bacteria also become provocateurs of exacerbations of the disease.
2. Colds and hypothermia. Signs of chronic bronchitis in patients become aggravated in late autumn or early spring against the background of a sharp change in weather conditions.
3. Smoking. Tobacco smoke destructive effect on the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree, the normal mechanism of its production of sputum. The clinical picture of smoker's bronchitis in adults is the same as if the disease had another cause. But its treatment is impossible without giving up a bad habit.
4. Industrial-production pollutants (pollutants). A protracted inflammatory process in the bronchi occurs in people who work on industrial enterprises or live in polluted areas.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation in the bronchi

According to WHO, the symptoms of chronic bronchitis are:

• cough with sputum;
• pain in the chest;
• dyspnea;
• hemoptysis;
• body temperature is about 37 o C.

In addition, adults with this disease may complain of general weakness, loss of appetite, bad dream, shortness of breath, cyanosis.

1. WHO identifies a mandatory sign of sluggish inflammation of the bronchi - persistent cough with sputum. Cough occurs reflexively in response to irritation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree. With it, the body tries to clear the respiratory tract from sputum. Once the illness worsens, the cough is usually dry. The secret secreted by the bronchial mucosa is still viscous, it is impossible to expectorate it. Therefore unproductive paroxysmal cough literally exhausts the patient, during his attacks pain in the chest and throat can be felt. If the diagnosis of the disease in adults is correct, treatment begins with the onset of exacerbation, already on the 3rd day the sputum liquefies, the cough becomes productive and not so painful.
2. If the inflammation of the bronchi is obstructive, the cough is accompanied by a meager sputum, mainly in the morning. By itself, sputum is not the main symptom of a chronic form of bronchial inflammation. It is not a sign of disease at all. By this term, WHO understands the secret produced by goblet cells, which form the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi. They provide the respiratory tract local immunity. If the mucous membrane is exposed to dust for a long time, harmful substances, viruses, bacteria, and this effect is of a protracted nature, the number of goblet cells grows, respectively, the amount of secretion produced by them also increases. At the same time, it is viscous, difficult to separate. When the mucus is too thick, it can completely block the small bronchioles and more. large bronchi, an obstructive process will begin in the organ. In addition, due to its chemical composition bronchial secretion is a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogens. Therefore, it often happens that acute inflammation viral nature develops into a chronic bacterial, the treatment of which in without fail will be treated with antibiotics. If the chronic inflammatory process in the bronchi is obstructive, the sputum may be purulent.
   
3. Shortness of breath, as a symptom of a chronic form of inflammation in the bronchi, designated by WHO, especially if it is obstructive, occurs due to narrowing of the respiratory lumen and spasm smooth muscle. A sufficient amount of air ceases to flow into the lungs, the body is forced to turn on the compensatory mechanism.
4. Hemoptysis is a very bad sign of many serious illnesses bronchopulmonary system, such as tuberculosis or lung cancer. If blood is present in the sputum, WHO recommends differential diagnosis. In adults in the first half of life, it is necessary, first of all, to exclude tuberculosis, in the elderly - oncology. As a rule, hemoptysis in the chronic form of bronchitis is poor, in the expectorant mucus or purulent secretion, blood is present in the form of small streaks. The reason for this is a strong cough, during which small blood vessels. At the same time, blood loss is insignificant, in adults it is up to 50 ml per day, as a result of which anemia does not occur. A more significant loss of blood, from 100 ml per day, according to WHO, is no longer hemoptysis, but pulmonary hemorrhage. This rarely happens with an inflammatory process in the bronchi, even if it is running.
5. Chest pain may be various genesis, but, as a rule, they are signs of diseases of the bronchopulmonary, cardiovascular or musculoskeletal systems. Pain in the lungs and bronchi, radiating to the back, collarbone, diaphragm in adults occurs with pneumonia, COPD, emphysema and lung cancer, pneumothorax, pleurisy. Usually, it is intense, affecting the quality of life. Becomes necessary treatment analgesics or stronger pain medications. With chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, the occurrence of pain is more likely discomfort. More often, pain accompanies a cough at the start of an exacerbation, when it is dry and unproductive. If sluggish bronchitis is obstructive, chest pain may be present all the time.
   
6. The temperature in chronic inflammation of the bronchi rises to 37 ° C or slightly higher, but always remains within the low-grade. WHO believes that this is due to the general intoxication of the body, when the waste products of pathogens enter the bloodstream. Since the inflammatory process caused by them is sluggish, clinical picture characterized by the fact that the temperature rises to 37 ° C and stays at this mark for a long period of time, up to several months. The temperature is accompanied by other manifestations of intoxication: lethargy, loss of appetite, decreased ability to work.

How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?

Since some manifestations of chronic bronchitis in adults, such as subfebrile temperature, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, blood present in the sputum may occur with more severe, sometimes irreversible bronchopulmonary diseases(bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, COPD, oncological neoplasms lungs), its diagnosis is quite complex and multi-stage.

According to WHO recommendations, the diagnosis of chronic inflammation of the bronchi includes:

Methods of treatment of chronic bronchitis

Treatment of chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa is long-term. It consists in taking etiotropic and symptomatic drugs.

Etiotropic treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease, which was identified when the history was taken. In the case of sluggish bronchitis, it comes down to taking antibiotics from the groups of penicillins (Flemoxin), cephalosporins (Augmentin) and macrolides (Sumamed). The course of taking the drug is at least 7 days, and sometimes 2 weeks. Do not stop taking the antibiotic if the patient's temperature normalizes or the cough becomes moist. If the cause of chronic inflammation is not completely eliminated, it will soon worsen again.

To relieve swelling and reduce swelling of the bronchial mucosa, treatment with antihistamines is used. It is advisable for adults to take Suprastin, Cetrin, L-cet, Claritin.

If sluggish bronchitis is obstructive, so that the patient has shortness of breath, he is prescribed bronchodilator drugs, for example, Ventolin by inhalation.

Symptomatically in chronic bronchitis, cough is treated. At the first stage of the disease, when it is dry and literally interferes with life, antitussive drugs are prescribed. For adults, they may be codeine-containing, such as Cofex or Codterpin.

To reduce the viscosity of bronchial secretion, mucolytics are prescribed: Ambrocol, ACC, Inspiron.

There is no need to bring down the temperature below 38.5 ° C, therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Nimesil are taken only to relieve pain.

In chronic bronchitis, physiotherapy is effective. According to WHO, it is recommended to carry it out for another month after the patient's temperature returns to normal and other symptoms of exacerbation disappear. Methods of inhalation, UHF, electrophoresis, as well as gymnastics, exercise therapy and massage are used.

Video: Live Healthy! Bronchitis symptoms

Chronic bronchitis is inflammatory disease bronchial tree, characterized by the appearance of cough with sputum and shortness of breath. The inflammatory process proceeds with constant exacerbations and remissions.

Chronic bronchitis should only be treated conservatively. What are the methods for conservative treatment? These are all methods of non-invasive treatment, namely drug treatment, treatment with the use of inhalations through inhalers, folk and physiotherapy treatment.

It should be noted that drug treatment is the most effective tool against chronic bronchitis. IN given treatment includes both tablet forms of drugs and injections. Usually, medications such as antibiotics and antivirals are prescribed to treat disease in adults, followed by anti-inflammatory drugs, mucolytics, antitussives, antihistamines, hormones, and bronchodilators.

Medicines in tablets and for injections

• One of the very first drugs for the treatment of chronic bronchitis in adults are antibiotics that act against the bacteria that caused an exacerbation of the disease in the bronchi. It should be remembered that if within 3 days after the start of antibiotic treatment general state did not improve, and the temperature did not return to normal, then another antibiotic should be prescribed, since this one did not give the desired effect.

The following antibiotics are used to treat chronic bronchitis:

Antibiotics penicillin series: Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Flemoxin), Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (Augmentin, Flemoxin Solutab), which have antibacterial activity a wide range actions, i.e. effective for gram-positive (staphylococcal, streptococcal, pneumococcal flora) and gram-negative (legionella, proteus, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) infections. Antibiotics of the penicillin series are prescribed 1000 mg, they must be taken 2 times a day. They need to treat chronic bronchitis for 7-14 days.

Cephalosporin antibiotics - Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin have a pronounced antibacterial and bacteriostatic effect only for gram-negative flora, such a narrow focus on bacteria makes their action much stronger than antibacterial drugs just a broad spectrum. For adults, the drug is prescribed 200 mg 2 times a day. The course of treatment is on average 10-14 days.

Antibiotics from the group of macrolides - Klabaks, Fromilid, Azithromycin, Rovamycin have a bacteriostatic effect and are effective mainly for intracellular forms of infections, which makes them indispensable in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. For adults, drugs are prescribed at 500 mg, it should be taken at the same time, on an empty stomach 1-2 times a day. It takes 3-7 days to treat this disease.

Antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones - Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Leflok belong to broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs, but these drugs are effectively used only for the treatment of the bronchopulmonary system, another name for this group is respiratory fluoroquinolones. It is necessary to treat chronic bronchitis in adults with these drugs for no more than 7 days at a dose of 500 mg 1 time per day. Leflok has an injectable form of release, which allows you to perform intravenous or intramuscular injections. It is also necessary to remember that antibiotic injections should be taken only for severe exacerbations.

• If viruses contributed to the exacerbation of the disease, then drugs against viruses are prescribed:

• Mucolytics are substances that promote expectoration of sputum. Depending on which cough prevails in the patient, different drugs are prescribed:

When a dry cough predominates, drugs are prescribed that help thin the sputum, i.e. reduce its viscosity - this is Acetylcysteine ​​​​(Acysteine, Mukobene, Mukoneks) 200 mg 4 times a day, 400 mg 2 times a day or 800 mg 1 time per day. You can also use plantain syrup, which is taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. Cough at first becomes unproductive, and then productive with the release of a large amount of sputum. It takes a long time to treat a cough, up to 10-15 days.

When the disease appears immediately moist cough, for adults, drugs from the ambroxol group (Flavamed, Abrol, Ambroxol) are prescribed. The drugs are prescribed 75 mg 1 time per day or 30 mg 3 times a day. If a cough with a large amount of sputum, then Erespal should be added to this group of drugs, which should be taken 1 tablet 2 times a day, if a cough with a small amount of sputum, then such a drug is not needed. Cough should be treated for 10-20 days.

One of the representatives of this group, Lasolvan, has an injectable form of release and allows you to perform intramuscular injections. Due to the speed of action medicinal substance injections are considered more effective.

Inhalation therapy

Inhalations with delivery medicinal substances through inhalers directly into the bronchi are one of the effective methods treatment of chronic bronchitis.

Inhalations are done with medicines- hormones, antihistamines, mucolytics and bronchodilators. Through inhalation, the active substances enter the enough directly into the focus of the inflammatory process, and do not require the initial passage gastrointestinal tract and absorption into the blood. Inhalations deliver unchanged drugs in active forms.

Also, inhalations can be carried out with soda and aromatic oils, which have antibacterial and bronchodilatory effects. For inhalation, such oils are suitable: pine, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and thyme.

For inhalation, you can use special inhalers - nebulizers, as well as, albeit less effective inhalers, but at home from a pot or kettle.

Non-traditional methods

Folk methods treatments are well suited for chronic bronchitis in remission. Alternative methods reduce the frequency of exacerbations of the disease, and also improve general well-being, increase immunity and give strength.

Alternative methods of treatment with the use of decoctions and infusions of herbs help the body in the fight against cough and reduce the amount of sputum secreted by the bronchi. Suitable for decoctions: plantain grass, medicinal chamomile, licorice root, sage leaves, mint, linden, marshmallow root.

Traditional methods of treatment with the use of rubbing contribute to better cleansing bronchi from bacteria, viruses and sputum, normalize the function of the lungs and bronchi in general. Suitable for rubbing honey, goose, mutton or badger fat.

Video: Chronic bronchitis. Description, symptoms and treatment

Chronic bronchitis is called if the inflammation of the bronchial mucosa lasts for long period. Symptoms are usually vague, the main symptom is a cough with viscous sputum.

Today it is one of the most popular diseases of the respiratory system. Smokers and men over 40 are most susceptible to it. Cough continues in chronic bronchitis for at least three months and may occur periodically for several years.

The inflammatory process disrupts drainage function bronchial tree, the patency of the tubes and the outflow of bronchial secretions are disturbed. Against this background, the infection in the bronchi is constantly progressing and can cause COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This disease has more severe symptoms which is characterized by difficulty in breathing.

Most common cause of any chronic disease is an acute form that has not been completely cured. There are a number of other causes of chronic bronchitis:

• viral and bacterial infections;
• anatomical features of the bronchi and heredity;
• occupational harmful environment;
• urban smog, inhalation of dust, chemicals;
• cold climate;
• weakened immunity;
• allergy.

Re-infection only exacerbates the chronic process.

Symptoms of the disease

The main symptom of chronic bronchitis is a cough that lasts for several months a year, then subsides, then worsens again. Sputum that is difficult to cough up may be clear or mixed with pus and blood.

Usually the cough is tormented in the morning. With the development of obstructive bronchitis, shortness of breath appears. Sweating increases, general weakness, malaise is observed. When breathing in the chest, wheezing or whistling may be heard.

To pick up effective drugs, it is necessary to diagnose and find out what type of bronchitis and at what stage it is. IN acute stage antibiotic therapy is necessary, in the remission stage, other drugs are prescribed. According to the characteristics of the inflammatory process, the following types of chronic bronchitis are distinguished:

1. catarrhal appearance - passes without any special pathology, sputum is usually mucous;
2. purulent appearance - sputum with pus is first separated only during the period of exacerbation, and then constantly.

Also, according to the nature of changes in the bronchi, bronchitis is divided into non-obstructive and obstructive. Obstructive bronchitis occurs when pathological disorders, which narrow the lumen in the bronchi and make it difficult to breathe.

Chronic bronchitis in adults can be treated at home. Medications do not apply independently, the treatment should be complex, prescribed by a doctor. When prescribing treatment, several factors are taken into account:

1. the severity of the disease;
2. the presence of complications;
3. allergic reactions to medicines;
4. kind of bronchitis.

Except medical preparations the doctor may prescribe breathing exercises and physical procedures; medicinal herbs and folk remedies are also widely used in the treatment.

Treatment for exacerbation of bronchitis in adults

During periods of exacerbation of bronchitis, especially purulent, antibiotics are used for treatment for 7 to 14 days. The main goal is to change during the treatment purulent sputum on clear slime and eliminate inflammation of the bronchial mucosa.

The most suitable are: Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Levomycetin. Antibiotics are used until the result is achieved, then they need to be canceled. In cases where there is a need long-term use, antifungal therapy is prescribed in parallel, it can be Nystatin.

Concomitant drugs should be containing lactobacilli. The intestinal microflora is disturbed when antibiotic therapy and causes dysbiosis.

To alleviate cough and sputum withdrawal, it is necessary to use expectorants: Bromhexine, Rinatiol. At home, you can use inhalations based on baking soda. They help to alleviate cough, thin sputum and its discharge.

At obstructive bronchitis lung ventilation is impaired, which can lead to respiratory failure and edema. The bronchial alveoli are irritated, the lumen narrows, not allowing the accumulated mucus to come out.

Obstructive bronchitis is dangerous because it can quickly become chronic and pass for a long time asymptomatic. Viral infections are not always the cause of the development of the disease. Often this type of bronchitis is caused by lung degeneration processes.

Symptoms and Causes

The chronic form of obstructive bronchitis may alternate with exacerbations and remissions. The period of exacerbation has its own symptoms:

• persistent morning cough of a protracted nature, may occur in the cold or from the smell;
• difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion;
• whistling may be heard on exhalation, blood may be present in the sputum;
• purulent mucus during secondary infection with bacteria;
• elevated body temperature.

A person quickly gets tired, feels general weakness, he needs bed rest. Chronic obstructive bronchitis in adults without treatment can result in asthma.

Causes of the disease:

• smoking and inhaling tobacco smoke;
• constant inhalation of air containing chemicals;
• people after 40 years;
• hereditary predisposition;
• frequent infectious diseases, SARS;
• allergy;
• frequent respiratory diseases;
• intoxication, burns of the respiratory tract, injuries.

Acute obstructive bronchitis develops mainly with the penetration of bacteria and viruses.

Medical treatment

Treatment of obstructive bronchitis in adults is carried out according to the scheme, which involves drugs of different effects:

1. bronchodilator anticholinergics - Bromide, Beradual;
2. hormones to stop the process of obstruction - Prednisolone;
3. antispasmodics - Berotek, Eufillin, Salbutamol;
4. preparations for thinning and removing sputum - Lazolvan, ACC, Gerbion, Ambroxol, Bromhexine;
5. synthetic and semi-synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics, the doctor chooses the dosage and regimen, the intake lasts at least 7 days, the most popular are: Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Flemoklav;
6. anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs: Diclofenac;
7. if the nature of the disease is allergic, apply antihistamines by doctor's prescription.

• optimal air humidity in the patient's room;
• maximum fluid intake;
• diet food - dairy products, fresh vegetables, meat and fish of low-fat varieties;
• bed rest.

With obstructive bronchitis, you can not use jars and mustard plasters, bathe in a sauna or bath. If they appear serious complications, the patient is transferred to inpatient treatment:

• development of pneumonia;
• treatment at home was not enough;
• violation of lung ventilation;
• for bronchoscopy;
• with heart failure.

If there is a period of remission, antibiotics are not prescribed.

Folk methods

For better discharge the patient needs sputum plentiful drink. It could be decoctions medicinal herbs:

• a decoction of rose hips or cranberry juice contains a lot of vitamin C, helps to strengthen the immune system and treat inflammatory processes;
• you can dissolve a pinch of propolis in 100 ml of milk and drink 12 drops for cough;
• inhalations based on medicinal herbs - mint with lemon balm, coltsfoot with chamomile, kill germs and thin sputum;
• Pour 1 tablespoon of sage with a glass of hot (not boiling) milk and insist, drink at night for a month;
• a decoction of plantain leaves well liquefies and removes sputum, has an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates cough, can be used for a month;
• you can use badger fat, which is sold in capsules or dilute a spoonful of fat in a glass warm milk and drink at night.

Cancel all physical activity, make sure that the patient does not overcool or overheat. Relaxation of the muscles of the chest contributes to a special massage, its result is the liquefaction and discharge of sputum from the bronchi.

The diet during treatment is also important, food should be protein and high-calorie, at the same time time easy and easily digestible:

• low-fat milk, cottage cheese, cheeses;
• citrus fruits, raspberries;
• sea ​​fish containing Omega - 3 fatty acids;
• foods containing magnesium large quantities- bananas, nuts, olives, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes;
• foods that contain a lot of vitamin A and E - avocados, carrots, spinach, peaches, green peas.

It is necessary to limit the use of salt and sugar, to exclude coffee, cocoa, chocolate, black tea. Avoid foods that can cause bronchospasm - spicy, spicy, smoked.

Chronic bronchitis must be carefully treated, especially with bronchial obstruction. It can gradually move into bronchial asthma. In addition, it may develop pulmonary insufficiency, which leads to death.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent obstructive bronchitis is to healthy lifestyle life. An important factor is good nutrition, containing all essential vitamins and micronutrients.

Monitor the microclimate of your home, temper the body and strengthen the immune system. All diseases must be treated to the end to avoid secondary infection.

Chronic bronchitis is a disease in which the inflammatory process develops in the lungs. In the chronic form, some functions are impaired, such as cleansing and protective.

The following principles underlie the typification of chronic bronchitis:

• the nature of the inflammatory process: simple, purulent and mucopurulent bronchitis,
• cause (etiology)
• exacerbation phase: the presence of an exacerbation or remission,
• Complications: hemoptysis, respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, emphysema,
• functional changes: obstructive and non-obstructive,
• course of the disease: continuous, secretive (latent), with frequent or rare exacerbations,
• level of damage: damage to small or large bronchi.

The classification is conditional, none of the doctors general principle division of chronic bronchitis by type. But in medical practice more often use this classification.

Bronchitis is viral or bacterial disease? We answered this question in detail in ours.

Symptoms

The main symptom of chronic bronchitis is a frequent cough that lasts 3 or more months.

Important! If periods of exacerbation severe cough repeated several times within two years, a diagnostic examination is required.

Cough is often accompanied by viscous sputum that is difficult to separate different nature(mucous, purulent, mucopurulent). During dampness, the cough intensifies. The most painful cough occurs in the morning, the rest of the time it is dry. In some patients, a debilitating cough may not stop around the clock.

In addition, patients may experience nausea, sometimes reaching vomiting, cyanosis skin during an attack. Temperature is within normal limits. At acute course can rise up to 37-38 °C.

On early stages there is moderate dyspnoea. With advanced disease, shortness of breath becomes permanent.

Important. Persistent shortness of breath indicates a progressive course of the disease, which can lead to emphysema.

Laboratory tests and radiographs of patients are usually within normal limits, sometimes with minor deviations. The nature and extent of bronchial damage can be established by bronchoscopic examination..

Causes

IN rare cases may be hereditary.

With a genetic predisposition, the bronchi are susceptible to any provocateurs of the disease.

Chronic bronchitis can develop against the background of acute bronchitis, but can also be caused by non-infectious causes.

Etiology of chronic bronchitis:

• bacterial,
• dust (occur in workers of hazardous industries),
• mycoplasma,
• arising from chemical factors(prolonged inhalation of chemicals, smoking),
• on the background physical factors(exposure to cold or dry air).

Chronic bronchitis often occurs in people who have problems with respiratory system who had pharyngitis, sinusitis. Employees at risk tobacco factories, cloth production, flour mills. Smokers and residents of cities with strong gas pollution are especially susceptible to the disease.

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Treatment in adults

Treatment of chronic bronchitis should be comprehensive.

The prognosis is often favorable, the ability to work in patients is not lost.

In treatment, it is important to exclude annoying factors: limit visits to harmful work, if the reason is in it, limit smoking, use humidifiers at home.

How to heal with herbs

Herbal treatment gives positive dynamics. Patients are shown preparations based on the root of ninesil, marshmallow, thermopsis herbs.

The following herbs are used to treat bronchitis:

• horsetail,
• coltsfoot,
• naked licorice,
• plantain,
• wild rosemary,
• sage leaves,
• Linden blossom,
• creeping thyme,
• oregano,
• hypericum,
• drupe leaves,
• succession grass.

They are taken in the form herbal infusions. have disinfectant properties pine buds, essential oils coniferous trees.

How to treat - choose drugs

In chronic bronchitis with fever and increased sputum, antibiotics are used.

Their use is relevant for intoxication. Amoxiclav, augmentin, azithromycin, cefuroxime, avelox, lefofloxacin, cyprom are mainly prescribed.

The patient is shown the use of expectorant drugs, such as flavamed, ACC, bromhexine, lazolvan and analogues.

Bronchodilators used to improve airway clearance: neophyllin, eufillin, atrovent, berodual. Preparations in the form of mini-inhalers instantly convey active substance to the source of infection, relieve inflammation and improve breathing.

Immunomodulators help to increase resistance to infections.

How to cure folk methods

Alternative treatment knows many remedies that relieve the symptoms of chronic bronchitis. From distraction therapy, mustard plasters and cans are used on the back. To strengthen the immune system, honey, dried fruits, herbal teas are used.

Important. ethnoscience helps patients for whom antibiotics are contraindicated, such as pregnant women and people whose body is weakened by previous antibiotic therapy.

In the treatment, recipes with lemon, viburnum berries, and garlic are used. Useful collection of chamomile, coltsfoot, oregano, infused in boiling water for 6 hours.

Additionally useful classic and honey massage, breathing exercises, warming compresses, fortified drinks (freshly squeezed juices, cocktails). Take the drug in a glass every 2 hours.

Traditional medicine is a more gentle therapy compared to traditional treatment. However, before use folk remedies should know about allergic features your body.

Honey massages during treatment alternate with honey-water and potato compresses.

Grain decoction of wheat, barley and wheat is taken as a drink. The grains in equal proportions are boiled in a saucepan over low heat for 1 hour, then filtered, the grains are crushed and sent to the broth.

Measures during remission

In the stage of remission, anti-relapse treatment is advisable:

• the use of garlic, onions,
• inclusion in the diet of honey,
• inhalations with furacilin, aloe,
• with bronchospasm, bronchodilators are administered,
• appointment of physical therapy,
• vitamin complexes.

All groups of patients should observe the regime of work and rest, master breathing exercises to strengthen muscle tissue.

Actions during an exacerbation

During the period of exacerbation, wheezing may appear in the chest, sometimes the temperature rises, weakness is observed.

In the acute phase, it is necessary to use antibiotics, inhalations. Complex drug treatment is combined with folk recipes.

Antipyretic drugs are prescribed when the temperature rises above 38 ° C.

Important. Sick with diabetes licorice root syrup is contraindicated. With atherosclerosis, steam inhalations are prohibited.

Inhalations at home are carried out using a purchased inhaler, a kettle with hot infusion, a pot of water.

For inhalation use:

• pine buds and needles,
• dog-rose fruit,
• essential oils of eucalyptus, fir, cedar, camphor, rosemary,
• sea ​​salt,
• elderberry color,
• fennel seeds,
• raspberry leaves.

Halotherapy also has a therapeutic effect.. Its simplest imitation at home is a salt lamp made from salts mined in caves. With the help of a lamp at home, a microclimate favorable for treatment is created.

Nutrition

Eat foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins. The patient is useful year-round eating fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish, lean meat.

Should not be consumed less high-calorie food, the nutrition of the patient should be varied and rich. Time to give up fried foods(during an exacerbation).

Important. Patients with bronchitis often experience protein deficiency. Therefore, it is important to include protein foods in the diet.

Mineral water, kissels and fruit drinks, as well as purified water should be consumed in an amount at least 3 liters per day.

Prevention procedures

Timely cured acute bronchitis reduces the risk of developing a chronic form. Strengthening immunity and general hardening help the body avoid reinfection on initial stages diseases. Sick with long experience shows annual trips to sanatoriums in a pine forest, mountains, steppe, useful spa treatment in the Crimea (Kislovodsk).

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