The most effective way to cure bronchitis in children. How and how to treat bronchitis in children at home: therapy with medications, inhalations, folk remedies and other effective methods

Bronchitis is a disease that, according to modern medical statistics, is one of the most common pathologies of the respiratory system. This disease can occur in people of any age. But in children, especially small ones, it occurs most often and is usually more severe than in adults. Therefore, it is important for parents to know the main symptoms of the disease and methods of its treatment.

In most cases, bronchitis is caused by infectious causes, which is why the term infectious bronchitis is quite common.

Although there are cases of non-infectious origin of this disease.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchi are one of the most important parts of the human respiratory system. When you inhale, air passes through the larynx and trachea, then enters a branched system of bronchi that deliver oxygen to the lungs. The terminal sections of the bronchi directly adjacent to the lungs are called bronchioles. When you exhale, the products of gas exchange formed in the lungs, primarily carbon dioxide, exit back through the bronchi and trachea. The surface of the bronchi is covered with mucus and sensitive cilia, which ensure the removal of foreign substances that enter the bronchi.

Thus, if the patency of the bronchi is impaired for some reason, this can negatively affect the respiratory process and, as a result, cause insufficient oxygen supply to the body.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. This disease most often affects children due to their weak immunity and underdeveloped respiratory organs. The incidence of the disease in children is quite high. Statistics say that per thousand children a year there are up to two hundred diseases. Children under five years of age are most often affected. And most cases are recorded in the autumn-winter period, during outbreaks of various acute respiratory diseases.

Bronchitis in a child is divided into several types according to the degree of development:

• simple (catarrhal),
• obstructive.

Bronchitis is also divided according to the nature of its course into:

• spicy,
• chronic.

We can talk about chronic bronchitis in children when the patient suffers from this disease for about three to four months a year. A type of bronchitis in children is also bronchiolitis - inflammation of the bronchioles.

Obstructive bronchitis is a type of bronchitis in children, in which severe narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi occurs due to mucus accumulated in them or bronchospasm.

Bronchitis in a child can also affect either individual branches of the bronchial tree, or all branches on one side, or affect the bronchi on both sides. If the inflammation spreads not only to the bronchi, but also to the trachea, then they speak of tracheobronchitis; if it spreads to the bronchi and lungs, then they speak of bronchopneumonia.

Reasons

The respiratory organs of children are not as well developed as those of adults. This circumstance is the main reason that bronchitis is much more common in children than in adults. Disadvantages of the respiratory system in children include:

• short respiratory tracts, which facilitates the rapid penetration of infection into them;
• small lung volume;
• weakness of the respiratory muscles, which makes it difficult to cough up mucus;
• insufficient amount of immunoglobulins in the cells of the mucous membrane;
• tendency to tonsillitis and inflammation of the adenoids.

In the vast majority of cases, bronchitis in a child is a secondary disease. It occurs as a complication of upper respiratory tract disease - laryngitis and tonsillitis. Bronchitis occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the lower respiratory tract from the upper respiratory tract.

However, primary bronchitis, that is, a disease in which the bronchi are primarily affected, is not excluded. Most experts believe that purely bacterial bronchitis does not occur very often, and viruses (influenza, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses) play the main role in the occurrence and development of the disease.

Bronchitis in a child, accompanied by a bacterial infection, is usually more severe than viral bronchitis. Bacterial bronchitis often leads to the formation of purulent discharge from the bronchi, the so-called purulent sputum. Bacteria that cause damage to the bronchi usually include streptococci, staphylococci, mycoplasmas, chlamydia, Haemophilus influenzae, and pneumococcus.

Children of different age groups are affected by different types of bacteria with unequal frequency. Bronchitis caused by mycoplasma is most often observed in school-age children. But in children under one year of age, this is usually chlamydial bronchitis caused by pneumonia chlamydia. Also, with this disease, children under one year of age often experience an extremely dangerous form of the disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus.

Primary bacterial bronchitis in children is also possible. It is usually caused by aspiration of small objects and food by small children. After coughing, foreign bodies usually leave the respiratory tract. However, the bacteria that get inside settle on the bronchial mucosa and multiply.

Much less often than viruses and bacteria, bronchitis in children can be caused by fungal infections and other microorganisms.

There is also a type of bronchitis called allergic bronchitis. It is observed as a reaction to some external irritant - medications, chemicals, dust, pollen, animal hair, etc.

Factors contributing to the development of bronchitis in children are:

• low level of immunity;
• hypothermia;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• excessively dry air, especially in a heated room, which helps dry out the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs;
• vitamin deficiencies;
• passive smoking;
• long-term stay in a close group with other children;
• concomitant diseases, for example, cystic fibrosis.

Bronchitis in children under one year of age occurs relatively rarely. This is due to the fact that the child does not communicate with peers, and therefore cannot become infected with viruses from them. Bronchitis in infants can be caused by factors such as prematurity and congenital pathologies of the respiratory organs.

Acute bronchitis in children, symptoms

Bronchitis in children has characteristic symptoms that distinguish it from other respiratory diseases. The first sign of bronchitis in children is a cough. However, cough can also occur with other respiratory diseases.

What kind of cough usually occurs in children with bronchitis?

At the onset of bronchitis in children, symptoms include a dry and nonproductive cough, that is, a cough that is not accompanied by sputum production. The positive dynamics of treatment is primarily indicated by a wet cough. The sputum may be clear, yellow, or green.

Acute bronchitis in a child is also accompanied by fever. But its significance in this type of disease is relatively small in the vast majority of cases. The temperature is only slightly higher than low-grade and rarely rises to +39 ºС. This is a relatively small indicator compared to the temperature associated with pneumonia. With catarrhal bronchitis, the temperature rarely exceeds +38 ºС.

Other symptoms of bronchitis in children include signs of general intoxication:

• headache,
• weakness,
• nausea.

Breastfed babies usually sleep poorly and do not suckle milk.

Bronchitis in children can also be indicated by the nature of wheezing in the chest area. With catarrhal bronchitis in a child, scattered dry rales are usually heard when listening to the chest.

With mycoplasma bronchitis, the child has a high temperature, but there are no symptoms of general intoxication.

Since bronchitis in a child affects the lower parts of the respiratory tract, symptoms indicating damage to the upper ones (runny nose, sore throat, etc.) are usually absent. However, in many cases, bronchitis is also accompanied by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, so diseases such as pharyngitis, rhinitis and laryngitis do not exclude the simultaneous presence of bronchitis as a complication.

Bronchitis in children accompanied by tracheitis may be indicated by a feeling of heaviness or pain in the chest.

Bronchiolitis and obstructive bronchitis in children, symptoms

The symptoms of obstructive bronchitis and bronchiolitis in children are somewhat different than with the catarrhal form of the disease. By the way, many experts do not distinguish between bronchiolitis and acute obstructive bronchitis in children.

Symptoms for these variants also include cough and fever. But with bronchiolitis and obstructive bronchitis in children, symptoms of respiratory failure are added to them: increased respiratory rate, blue discoloration of the nasolabial triangle. Breathing becomes noisier. The abdominal muscles are also involved in the breathing process. There is noticeable retraction of the skin in the intercostal spaces when inhaling.

With obstructive bronchitis in children, symptoms also include characteristic wheezing, noticeable when listening to the chest. Usually the wheezing is wet and whistling. Sometimes they can be heard even without a stethoscope, at a distance. Exhalation in this form of the disease is prolonged.

With obstructive bronchitis in children under one year old, a sign of shortness of breath is a respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute or more, in children aged from one to 2 years - 50 breaths per minute or more, in children 2 years and older - 40 breaths per minute and more.

With bronchioliosis, shortness of breath can reach even higher values ​​- 80-90 breaths per minute. Also, with bronchiolitis, tachycardia and muffled tones in the heart may be observed.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing, doctors must first determine the type of bronchitis (catarrhal or obstructive) and its etiology - viral, bacterial or allergic. You should also separate simple bronchitis from bronchiolitis, which is a more serious disease, and from pneumonia.

Obstructive bronchitis with respiratory failure should also be differentiated from bronchial asthma.

Diagnosis uses data obtained from examining the patient and listening to his chest. During hospitalization, the child may be given a chest x-ray, which will show all pathological changes in the bronchial structure and lungs. Methods are also used that determine the volume of air passing through the bronchi, and sputum examination to search for pathogens (bacterial culture, PCR analysis).

Blood and urine tests are also taken. In a blood test, attention is paid to the level of ESR, as well as the leukocyte formula. An upward change in the total number of white blood cells (leukocytosis) is a sign of a bacterial infection. A relative decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia) with a simultaneous increase in the number of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) may indicate viral infections. However, with recurrent bronchitis, an attack of the disease may not be accompanied by changes in the composition of the blood. Types of examinations such as bronchogram, bronchoscopy, and computed tomography may also be performed.

Prognosis and complications

With timely treatment of bronchitis detected in children, the prognosis is favorable and the risk of complications is minimal. However, bronchial inflammation is a long-term illness, and complete recovery of a child, especially a younger one, may take several weeks. It is important to prevent simple bronchitis from developing into more severe forms - obstructive bronchitis and bronchiolitis, as well as into an even more severe and dangerous disease - pneumonia.

It should be kept in mind that obstructive bronchitis in children can be life-threatening. This is especially true for young children. The fact is that as a result of blocking the lumens of the bronchi with secreted mucus or as a result of their spasm, suffocation can occur.

Under certain circumstances, bronchitis can develop into diseases such as chronic bronchial asthma, recurrent bronchitis, which, in turn, can cause chronic bronchitis.

If the infection spreads throughout the body, it is possible that dangerous complications such as endocarditis and kidney inflammation may develop. This point may arise in cases where the treatment is chosen incorrectly for children. This happens extremely rarely, since the disease is clearly diagnosed, but this possibility cannot be excluded.

Acute bronchitis in children, treatment

Treatment of bronchitis in children is a complex process that requires long-term therapy. And here you cannot do without a doctor’s recommendations, since the disease can occur in various forms, and treatment methods in individual cases can differ radically.

Treatment of children for bronchitis can be aimed both at the causative agents of the disease (etiotropic treatment) and at eliminating symptoms that are unpleasant for the child, dangerous to health, and even sometimes life-threatening (symptomatic treatment).

However, there is no alternative to drug treatment.

It should be borne in mind that treatment of obstructive bronchitis and bronchiolitis is usually required in a hospital setting.

Etiotropic treatment of bronchitis

For viral bronchitis, etiotropic therapy, as a rule, is not used. However, in case of bronchitis caused by the influenza virus, etiotropic drugs can be used:

For bronchitis caused by ARVI viruses (rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses), there is no etiotropic therapy, and therefore treatment is symptomatic. In some cases, immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed:

However, these drugs can only be used in exceptional cases, with very weak immunity, as they have many side effects.

In case of a bacterial form of the disease, as well as in case of a threat of transition of viral bronchitis to a more complex, bacterial form, antibiotics are prescribed. The type of antibiotic is selected based on the type of pathogen. It should be noted that it is not recommended to practice antibiotic therapy on your own, since in case of viral and especially allergic bronchitis, it will not lead to any positive result and can only complicate the course of the disease. Most often, antibiotics of the penicillin and tetracycline series, macrolides, and cephalosporins (amoxicillin, amoxiclav, erythromycin) are used in the treatment of bronchitis. For mild to moderate cases of the disease, as well as in school-age children, medications are prescribed in tablets. In severe cases of bronchitis, as well as in young children, parenteral administration is often used. But if the patient’s condition improves, it is possible to switch to tablet forms of antibiotics.

In case of suspicion of bacterial bronchitis, the prescription of a specific drug is done by choosing the most suitable one. It is determined by the doctor based on the combination of features of the course of the disease, as well as on the results of studying the patient’s medical history. The positive dynamics of drug therapy already three to four days after the start of treatment is a signal that the chosen tactics are correct and the treatment of bronchitis in a child continues with the same drug. Otherwise, the prescription is reviewed and other medications are prescribed.

The duration of taking antibacterial drugs is a week in the case of acute bronchitis and two weeks in the case of chronic bronchitis.

The etiological treatment of allergic bronchitis involves eliminating the agent causing the allergic reaction. It could be animal hair, some kind of chemical (even household chemicals), dust.

Symptomatic treatment of bronchitis

In the acute form of bronchitis, treatment, first of all, should be aimed at eliminating inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi and the cough it causes. It should be borne in mind that coughing itself is a protective reaction of the body, seeking to remove foreign agents from the respiratory system (it doesn’t matter whether they are viruses, bacteria, allergens, or toxic substances). For this purpose, the epithelium produces a large amount of sputum on the walls of the bronchi, which is then expelled through coughing. The problem, however, is that very viscous bronchial secretions are difficult to cough up. This is especially difficult for young children with their weak lungs and respiratory muscles and narrow airways. Accordingly, in very young children, treatment should be aimed at stimulating coughing.

To facilitate this process, mucolytic and expectorants. Mucolytic drugs ( ACC, Ambrohexal, Bromhexine) thin the mucus and make it more convenient for coughing.

• diluting sputum and increasing its volume (acetylcysteine);
• secretolytics (bromhexine and derivatives, carbocysteine), facilitating the transport of sputum.

Expectorants (Ascoril, Gerbion, Gedelix, Prospan, Doctor Mom) facilitate the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract during coughing. Among this group of drugs, preparations based on plant components (licorice roots, marshmallow, elecampane, thyme herb) are often used.

The third group of drugs are antitussives (codeine). They block the activity of the cough center of the brain. This group of drugs is prescribed only for long-term, fruitless dry cough. As a rule, a dry cough is characteristic of the onset of the disease. But with active sputum formation, antitussive drugs are not prescribed, since blocking the antitussive center makes it impossible to remove sputum from the bronchi.

Mucolytic drugs are also prescribed with caution, primarily direct-acting drugs (cysteines) in young children (under 2 years of age), due to the risk of increased sputum formation, which a young child cannot effectively cough up due to the imperfection of his respiratory system.

There are also drugs that expand the lumen of the bronchi and relieve spasm (Berodual, Eufillin). Bronchodilators are available in the form of tablets or aerosols for inhalers. They are usually not prescribed if the bronchi are not narrowed.

Another group of drugs are drugs with a complex effect - anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator. An example of such a drug is fenspiride (Erespal).

Soda and soda-salt inhalations can also be used as anti-inflammatory drugs.

From the above it follows that treating a cough is a complex process that has many nuances and prescribing cough medications to a child independently, without consulting a doctor, is unjustified and can lead to a worsening of his condition.

Antipyretic, painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen) or their analogues (Efferalgan, Theraflu) are recommended to be given to children only when the temperature rises above a certain limit (+38 ºС - +38.5 ºС.). Low-grade fever (up to +38 ºС) does not need to be reduced. This is a normal physiological reaction of the body to an infection, making it easier for the immune system to fight it. Medicines such as aspirin and analgin are contraindicated for young children.

For severe inflammation, your doctor may also prescribe hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. If bronchitis is of an allergic nature, then antihistamines are prescribed to reduce swelling of the bronchial epithelium.

Non-drug treatments

However, you should not think that medications alone can cure your child’s bronchitis. It is necessary to follow a number of recommendations regarding creating the necessary conditions for recovery.

First of all, it is worth increasing the amount of water consumed by the child - approximately 2 times compared to the norm. As the temperature rises, dehydration occurs, which must be compensated for. In addition, water is required in order to quickly remove toxins from the body. It should also be taken into account that with rapid breathing accompanying obstructive bronchitis in children, fluid loss through the lungs increases, which requires increased rehydration measures.

The drink should be warm enough, but not hot. Hot drinks can only burn the larynx, but will not bring much benefit. Jelly, fruit drinks, juices, teas, warm milk, and rosehip decoction are good options.

If a child has bronchitis, he should remain in bed. However, it should not be strict, since constant stay in bed may cause congestion in the lungs and bronchi. It is important that the child has the opportunity to move. If the child is small, then you can regularly turn him from side to side. When the condition improves and the air temperature is high enough, walks are even recommended, since fresh air has a beneficial effect on the bronchi.

Special mention should be made about the temperature in the room where the child is. It should be neither too low nor too high. The optimal range is +18 ºС-+22 ºС. Too high a temperature dries out the air, and dry air, in turn, increases inflammation of the bronchi and provokes coughing attacks. The optimal humidity level in the room is considered to be 50-70%. Therefore, periodic ventilation is necessary in the room where the patient is located.

Is it worth using the previously popular mustard plasters and jars? Currently, many doctors doubt the high effectiveness and safety of such methods for bronchitis in a child. At least they are not recommended for children under 5 years of age. However, in some cases, mustard plasters can help alleviate the child's condition. It is only important to remember that they cannot be placed on the heart area. If there is a need to put mustard plasters on small children, then they should be placed not directly, but wrapped in diapers.

Cupping and mustard plasters, however, are contraindicated for purulent bronchitis caused by a bacterial infection. The reason is that heating the chest can contribute to the expansion of the purulent process to other parts of the bronchi. For the same reason, warm baths and showers are contraindicated for bronchitis. Previously popular steam inhalations are not recommended.

However, in case of bronchitis detected in a baby, inhalations using nebulizers may be prescribed. Warming your feet in a bath is also helpful.

Treatment in a hospital setting

A very dangerous complication of bronchitis is obstructive bronchitis in children, which is usually treated in a hospital. This is especially true for children who show signs of heart failure.

When diagnosing obstructive bronchitis, children in a hospital setting are treated with oxygen therapy, removal of mucus from the respiratory tract with an electric suction, intravenous administration of bronchodilators and adrenergic agonists.

Diet for bronchitis

A diet for bronchitis should be complete, contain all the vitamins and proteins necessary for health, and at the same time easily digestible, not causing rejection in conditions of intoxication of the body. Dairy products and vegetables are most suitable.

Massage for bronchitis

For bronchitis in children, parents can independently conduct a course of chest massage. However, this procedure is best carried out when the dynamics of the main therapy are positive. The purpose of the massage is to stimulate the child's coughing process. This procedure can be useful for children of any age, but especially for infants.

The duration of the procedure is 3-5 minutes, the number of sessions is 3 times a day for a week. The massage is done very simply: using hand movements along the child’s back from bottom to top, as well as gentle tapping movements with palms or fingertips along the spine. The baby's body should be in a horizontal position at this time.

Folk remedies

Many folk remedies have long been successfully used in the treatment of bronchitis. However, they should only be used with the permission of the attending physician. It should be borne in mind that many herbal components included in folk remedies can cause allergic reactions.

Folk remedies include taking various herbal decoctions, drinking breast milk, and inhalation. Hot milk with honey, radish juice with honey (for dry cough), decoctions of calendula, plantain, licorice, coltsfoot and coltsfoot help well with bronchitis.

Chest herbal teas for acute bronchitis

What herbal remedies are most effective for bronchitis? You can use a collection with coltsfoot, plantain, horsetail, primrose (component ratio (1-2-3-4), herbal collection with licorice root, marshmallow root, coltsfoot leaves, fennel fruits (2-2 -2-1).

Juices from plant components for acute bronchitis

The following recipes are also suitable for acute bronchitis. They can be used as an effective expectorant:

• Carrot juice with honey. To prepare it, you need to use a glass of carrot juice and three tablespoons of honey. It is best to take 2 tablespoons three times a day.
• Plantain juice with honey. Both components are taken in equal quantities. Take one teaspoon three times a day.
• Cabbage juice. Sweetened cabbage juice can also be used as an expectorant for bronchitis (you can use honey instead of sugar). Take a tablespoon three to four times a day.
• Marshmallow root infusion. It is prepared as follows. Marshmallow root is ground into powder. Take a glass of water for 5 g of powder. The powder dissolves in water and settles for 6-8 hours. Take the infusion 2-3 tablespoons three times a day.

Other treatments for bronchitis

Methods such as breathing exercises (inflating balloons, blowing out a candle), some physiotherapeutic methods (electrophoresis, UHF therapy, UV irradiation) may also be useful in the treatment of bronchitis. Therapeutic exercises can be used as a treatment method to improve the patient's condition.

How quickly can bronchitis go away?

Acute bronchitis, especially in children, is not one of the diseases that goes away on its own. To defeat him, the child’s parents will have to make a lot of effort.

Treatment of acute bronchitis, unfortunately, is a slow process. However, bronchitis of a simple, uncomplicated form should, with proper treatment, go away in one to two weeks. Otherwise, there is a high probability of bronchitis becoming chronic. Relapses of bronchitis in the event of the development of a recurrent form of the disease can have an even longer course - 2-3 months. The cough usually lasts two weeks; with tracheobronchitis, the cough can be observed for a month in the absence of other symptoms of the disease.

Adenoviral bronchitis and bronchitis caused by bacterial infections usually have a longer course than bronchitis caused by other types of pathogens.

Prevention

Effective methods for preventing bronchial inflammation are:

• hardening,
• prevention of hypothermia,
• increasing immunity,
• complete nutrition.

The child should not be allowed to be in a smoky room. If there are smokers in the family, then smoking in the presence of a child is also unacceptable. In addition, it is necessary to promptly treat acute respiratory diseases and influenza in a child. After all, bronchitis is often one of the complications of influenza and ARVI.

To prevent exacerbations of chronic bronchitis during remissions, sanatorium treatment is recommended. Children with chronic bronchitis should be dressed appropriately for the weather and should not be allowed to overheat, which can cause increased sweating.

There are no specific vaccinations against bronchitis, although you can get vaccinated against some bacteria that cause bronchitis in children, as well as against the influenza virus, which is also the root cause of the disease.

Is bronchitis contagious?

Contrary to popular belief, bronchitis itself is not a contagious disease. The fact is that bronchitis is a secondary disease that appears as a result of a complication of a viral infection. Thus, it is these viral diseases that are contagious, and not bronchitis itself. As for bacterial bronchitis in children, it is usually caused by bacteria that normally live in the respiratory tract of any person and exhibit pathological activity only under certain conditions, for example, during hypothermia or decreased immunity.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system, accompanied by damage to the bronchial tree and characterized by the appearance of symptoms of intoxication and damage to the bronchi.

Bronchitis can be viral or bacterial. Determining the etiology of the disease is very important, as it directly affects treatment tactics. Viral bronchitis responds well to treatment with interferon drugs, and bacterial bronchitis, in turn, responds well to antibiotics.

Viral bronchitis is characterized by the appearance of symptoms of severe intoxication of the body along with minor symptoms of damage to the bronchial tree:

• high body temperature (39.0 0 C and above), which for 3 – 5 days may be the only
• a symptom of a disease;
• headache, dizziness;
• lack of appetite;
• apathy, increased fatigue;
• general weakness;
• weight loss;
• nausea, vomiting of intestinal contents;
• an unproductive cough, which at the end of the inflammatory process is replaced by a productive one, with
• separation of a moderate amount of whitish or clear liquid sputum.

With a viral infection, the child is sick for 5–7 days. The disease must be treated only with antiviral drugs.

Bacterial bronchitis is characterized by moderate symptoms of intoxication, when symptoms of damage to the bronchopulmonary system gradually increase and come to the fore in the clinical picture of the disease:

• body temperature up to 38.0 0 C and usually rises 2 to 3 days after the onset of the disease;
• sweating;
• slight weakness;
• the appetite is preserved, the child behaves actively, there is no drowsiness;
• memory and attention are not impaired;
• intense dry cough, which is replaced by a wet one, with the appearance of a large amount of viscous,
• yellowish or greenish sputum;
• shortness of breath, feeling of suffocation;
• wheezing in the lungs.

With a bacterial infection, the child is sick for 10 days, and if antibiotics are not prescribed, bronchitis can last up to 20 days.

Bronchitis therapy

Treatment of bronchitis in children includes several areas and should be carried out comprehensively. After treatment, a period of rehabilitation is necessary, which includes physiotherapeutic treatment (electrophoresis, warming up the chest, inhalations, massages and hardening of the body).

Drug therapy

To eliminate the cause of the disease, etiotropic treatment is prescribed from the first days of the inflammatory process. If this treatment is not carried out and medical care is not provided in full, then this significantly increases the child’s recovery period and can lead to chronic consequences in the future.

Viral bronchitis can be quickly cured by prescribing antiviral drugs, among which the most reliable are interferons, as well as inosine pranobex, but only for children of the older age group, since the drug is available in tablets.

• Laferobion is a human recombinant interferon alpha-2b, it has immunomodulatory (stimulates the production of macrophages, phagocytes, T- and B-lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, and also provokes their regular release from the depot into the bloodstream and interstitial fluid) and antiviral (causes adhesion (sticking together). ) cells that have been infected by the virus, which disrupts their normal vital processes and ultimately leads to death) action.
  The drug is quickly absorbed in the child’s body due to its release form (rectal suppositories) and provides assistance from the first seconds of administration.

Suppositories with a minimum dosage of immunoglobulin - 150,000 IU - can be given to newborn children 1 - 2 times a day at night, depending on the severity of the process. Laferobion is well tolerated by newborns and infants, does not irritate the intestinal mucosa, does not cause discomfort or bloating, and does not interfere with the baby’s appetite and sleep.

Rectal suppositories with a higher concentration - 500,000 IU - are more suitable for children of older age groups. Suppositories can be placed after complete bowel movements, in the morning and evening for 5 to 7 days.

Laferobion can also be used to prevent the occurrence of viral infections in the future. The procedure must be done once a week.

• Alfaron is a human recombinant interferon alpha-2b that has a pronounced immunomodulatory (organizes an increase in immune system cells in the body due to their hyperproduction in the lymph nodes and thymus (thymus gland)), antimicrobial and antiviral (blocks the entry of the virus into a healthy cell) effect.

The drug is available in powder for the preparation of a solution for intranasal administration (administration through the nose).

The bottle contains 50,000 IU of interferon; it must be dissolved in 5 ml of clean boiled or distilled water. It is imperative to comply with storage conditions, otherwise the active substance will be inactive. The diluted alpharon must be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding 100C; freezing is prohibited.

For children, the drug is prescribed depending on age:

• Children under one year old – 1 drop 5 times a day in each nasal passage (one drop contains 1,000 IU of interferon).
• From one to 3 years – 2 drops 3 – 4 times a day (the daily dose should not exceed 6,000 – 8,000 IU).
• From 3 to 14 years - 2 drops 5 times a day (daily dose no more than 8,000 - 10,000 IU).
• Over 12 years old – 3 drops 5 times a day (maximum daily dose of the drug 15,000 IU).

If doctors have made the correct diagnosis, then viral bronchitis can be completely cured very quickly, within 5 days.

Trade names of the drugs - Groprinosin, Isoprinosine - will allow you to quickly and effectively cure viral bronchitis in children over 3 years of age, since they only have a tablet form of release of 500 mg of active substances per tablet.

The drugs are prescribed on an empty stomach, for children from 3 to 12 years old, 50 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day, divided into 3 to 4 doses, on average 3 tablets per day. Children over 14 years old – 1 tablet 6 – 8 times a day.

You can completely cure the disease and get rid of all symptoms within 5 days if you take the drug as indicated in the instructions.

This medicine can also be used for prophylactic purposes, 1 tablet 1 time every 2 to 3 days, if there are no contraindications.

Bronchitis caused by bacterial flora can be quickly and effectively cured using antibacterial drugs. Medical assistance with the prescription of antibiotics occurs after 3 days and is characterized by a decrease in body temperature and an improvement in general condition. If such an improvement was not registered, this means that the antibiotic was chosen incorrectly and turned out to be insensitive to this microflora.

This drug is often the drug of choice for bronchitis in children, as it has an adapted release form, treatment lasts only 3 days and the drug is well tolerated, leaving no consequences for the growing body.

Azitrox, Azithromycin Sandoz, Zetamax retard, Sumamed, Hemomycin, Ecomed are available in bottles of 100 and 200 mg of active substance in 5 ml of an already prepared suspension.

How to dilute the suspension, how much water should be added for each dosage of the drug is written in detail in the instructions. Also, for ease of use, the drug comes with a measuring spoon and a dispenser syringe, with which you can easily draw up the amount of the medicinal substance that the child needs and give it completely without spilling, even to infants.

The suspension is prescribed to children from the neonatal period, the amount of suspension depends on the weight of the child and on average is 2 ml per 1 kg of body weight per day. The drug is taken 1 time per day, regardless of meals.

Azivok, Azitral are available in the form of tablets of 250 mg and 500 mg. Prescribed to children over 10 years of age: 1 tablet 1 time per day. The maximum daily dose of the drug is 500 mg.

After doctors have diagnosed bacterial bronchitis, it is necessary to provide medical assistance from the first hours of the disease, this will help prevent complications and chronicity of the inflammatory process.

• Cefpodoxime is an antibacterial drug from the group of 3rd generation cephalosporins. It has a bactericidal (active against anaerobic, gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms) and bacteriostatic (stops further development of the bacterial cell) effect.

If a child is sick for one day, then prescribing this antibiotic after 2 days can lead to an improvement in well-being.

Cefodox and Doccef are available in powder for the preparation of a suspension and are indicated for children starting from the neonatal period.

How to properly dilute the suspension, how much and what kind of liquid needs to be added is described in detail in the instructions for the drug.

For children under 1 year of age, the drug is prescribed at a dose of 2.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day, divided into 2 doses.

For children over 1 year and under 11 years of age, the drug is prescribed at the rate of 5 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day.

Treatment with this antibacterial agent should be 5-7 days.

Cedoxime, Cefpotec are sold in tablets of 200 mg and are prescribed to children over 12 years of age, 1 tablet 2 times a day. Treat bronchitis for 5–10 days.

In order to treat cough, antitussive, mucolytic and expectorant drugs are prescribed. They contribute to the rapid cleansing of the bronchial tree from sputum, waste products of pathological organisms and dust.

• Acetylcysteine ​​helps reduce the viscosity of sputum and significantly increases its quantity, which allows for better coughing.

Prescribed to children from 1 year of age in the form of inhalation through a nebulizer. 3.0 ml of the drug is diluted with 20.0 ml of physiological solution. Inhalations are done for 10–15 minutes 3 times a day.

There are also powder forms for oral administration, which are prescribed after 1 year due to ease of use. The drug is available in a dosage of 200 mg, which must be taken 3 - 4 times a day, 400 mg - 2 times a day and 800 mg - 1 time a day. How to dilute the powder and how much water is required is described in the instructions.

Bronchitis is treated on average for 10–15 days.

• Bromhexine stimulates the movement of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, which help remove mucus and also dilute the secretions. Available in the form of a sweet syrup for young children and in tablets of 4 mg and 8 mg for older children.

Bromhexine Grindeks, Bronchostop, Phlegamine – syrup with a dosage of 2 mg/5 ml, 120 ml in a bottle. Prescribed to newborns and children up to one year old, 2.5 ml 2 times a day, children aged 1 - 2 years, 5 ml 2 times a day, children aged 3 - 5 years - 10 ml 2 times a day, children over 6 years old – 10 – 15 ml 3 times a day.

Bromhexine MS, Solvin – tablets of 4 and 8 mg. Prescribed from 7 to 10 years, 1 tablet 3 times a day.

It is necessary to treat bronchitis in children with this group of drugs for 10 days.

To treat symptoms of intoxication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed; the drug of choice in children with bronchitis is Ibuprofen (Ibuprom, Nurofen, Ibufen). The drugs are available in the form of syrup, tablets and capsules. If the dose is prescribed for younger children based on body weight, then for children of the older age group 1 tablet is prescribed 1 - 2 times a day, but only in the presence of fever, body aches, headache, weakness, etc. Without pronounced symptoms of intoxication, take the drug inappropriate.

Physiotherapy

One of the most successful methods of treatment is electrophoresis, if the disease is not accompanied by intense symptoms of intoxication.

• Electrophoresis is the movement of medicinal substances into the human body using electric current. Electrophoresis has been used in medicine for quite a long time due to a number of its advantages.

With the help of electrophoresis, it is possible to move very small doses of a medicinal substance, which is very beneficial for use in newborns. Electrophoresis allows you to create a depot under the skin - that is, accumulate a medicinal substance, and then spend it over a long period of time without administering additional doses of the drug. Electrophoresis also involves introducing the active substance directly to the site of inflammation, bypassing the blood and gastrointestinal tract. Another advantage of electrophoresis is its effect on the immune system. Electric current stimulation of the skin increases its resistance to viruses and bacteria, and also improves blood circulation and innervation.

For bronchitis, electrophoresis is prescribed to the skin of the chest and back. A tissue soaked in the medicinal substance is placed between the electrophoresis plates and the skin.

For electrophoresis, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antiviral and antibacterial drugs are used.

Children are shown 5 sessions every other day and only after the body temperature has dropped. It is recommended to do this procedure not often, 1 – 2 times a year.

Mustard plasters can be applied both at home and in a physiotherapy department.
Mustard plasters warm the skin of the chest and back, improve blood flow in the bronchi and lungs, and have a bactericidal effect.

Children over 6 years of age are allowed to install mustard plasters.

Directions for use:
Mustard plasters are used only externally. Before use, mustard plasters are immersed in warm water for 10–20 seconds, then the remaining water is removed and placed on the skin of the chest and back. Mustard plasters, in which the mustard powder is covered on both sides with porous paper, do not require any additional measures before placing it on the skin.

If the mustard plasters are not covered and the mustard powder comes into direct contact with the child’s skin, you need to place a piece of gauze. This is done in order to avoid excessive burning and irritation of the skin.

Mustard plasters are installed once every two days. The product is left on the skin of the chest for 15 minutes, and not applied to the back until it cools completely. If you have a fever, treatment with mustard plasters should be abandoned.

• Inhalations are an effective treatment for bronchitis. How many courses are needed, duration and medications administered are decided after consultation with your treating pediatrician.
• Hardening the body:

1. Swimming;
2. Pouring with cold water;
3. Breathing exercises;
4. Playing sports.

Prevention of bronchitis in children is a mandatory and important measure, since frequent inflammatory processes in the bronchopulmonary system can lead to a chronic pathological process and disability of the child.

It is much easier to cure ordinary bronchitis and lead a healthy lifestyle than to get rid of chronic lung disease.

Prevention methods include:

• rational nutrition;
• elimination of passive smoking;
• living in areas with clean air;
• timely treatment of acute inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

The material in this article is described for informational purposes. Your pediatrician will tell you what medications to take, how many times a day, duration of treatment and other questions.

Video: Obstructive bronchitis - School of Dr. Komarovsky

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, characterized by excessive formation and stagnation of mucus in the respiratory tract, severe paroxysmal cough, fever, intoxication, and loss of strength. This insidious disease spares neither children nor adults; It is especially difficult for preschool children and the elderly to tolerate it. Ineffective treatment of bronchitis leads to its chronic form. The risk of infection “transitioning” to the lower respiratory tract and the development of pneumonia cannot be excluded.

There are acute, chronic and obstructive bronchitis. The acute form develops as a continuation of a respiratory disease caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic – the infection “dormants” in the body (remission stage) and becomes active from time to time (exacerbation). Obstruction (narrowing of the bronchial cavity) is characteristic of a disease with an asthmatic component and requires long-term observation and treatment by a pulmonologist.

Causes of the disease

This insidious disease has many causes:

• attack of infection, viral or bacterial;
• sudden hypothermia of the child’s body;
• increased sensitivity of the bronchi to an irritant (infectious agent, foreign body, allergen, cold air, severe stress);
• weak immunity;
• predisposition to allergies.

How to quickly cure bronchitis in a child?

Children are most susceptible to bronchial inflammation: infants up to one year old, children from 1 year to 3 years. In infants, bronchitis develops very quickly, the temperature rises at the beginning of the disease and lasts up to 5 days. Babies do not know how to cough, so stagnation of accumulated sputum provokes the rapid spread of infection in the respiratory tract. It is important to call a doctor to see your child at the first signs of illness, so as not to miss the onset of bronchitis: the doctor will diagnose the disease by the presence of dry or moist wheezing when listening to the baby and prescribe therapy.

Timely treatment of childhood bronchitis is successful in most cases. In the first 3-5 days of illness, a baby with elevated temperature and wheezing in the bronchi is advised to take a broad-spectrum antibiotic (for example, amoxiclav) to repel the attack of infection and prevent it from spreading to the lower respiratory tract. Additionally, antihistamines (tavegil, suprastin) are prescribed to reduce the allergic reaction to the antibacterial drug. In addition to the antibiotic, the baby is shown mucolytic agents in the form of syrup (bromhexine, ambroxol); Decoctions of herbs remove phlegm well: coltsfoot, plantain, breast tea.

At a fever, the baby must be supplemented with warm water, compote or tea, even if he is breastfed. It is important to regularly ventilate the room and do wet cleaning. When the temperature subsides, thermal procedures must be added: compresses, wraps, rubbing the chest and feet. Without the above set of measures, quick and effective treatment of bronchitis in children is impossible.

For the asthmatic component of bronchitis, bronchodilators (salbutamol, broncholitin) are prescribed.

How is bronchitis treated in children?

1. Oil wrap. Heat vegetable oil, soak a piece of gauze in it, cover the child’s body with gauze, without covering the area of ​​the heart; Wrap the compress in cellophane or tracing paper on top, line it with cotton wool, secure with an elastic bandage, and put on a flannel shirt. Leave it for an afternoon nap. Do not allow the child to overheat!
2. Semi-alcohol rubbing. Heat 2 tbsp. l. vodka, add 2 tsp. vegetable oil, rub the resulting mixture onto the baby's chest and back, put on a cotton blouse, wrap a woolen scarf on top and put him to sleep. When sleeping at night, rub only the baby's feet and put on woolen socks. Rubbing with alcohol ointments for infants is used with caution, since ethanol enters the body through the skin and can lead to poisoning (in large quantities).
3. Potato compress. Boil 2 jacket potatoes, crush well, cool slightly, add 1.5 tsp to the mixture. soda, form 2 identical cakes, wrap them in thick fabric and apply to the child’s chest and back, lay cellophane on top and secure with an elastic bandage over the shirt so that the compress holds well; leave overnight. It warms up very well, sometimes 3-4 procedures are enough, and the cough is gone!

How to treat bronchitis in a 3-year-old child if you can’t make him sleep during the day? You can teach your baby to breathe correctly when inhaling. If there is an inhaler, the child inhales vapors from a decoction of medicinal herbs or a special cough medicine through a tube. But if you don’t have the device, it doesn’t matter either: you need to boil water in a small saucepan, add “Golden Star” balm to it on the tip of a knife, and stir. Explain to the baby how to breathe steam, bending over the pan, and cover him with a blanket on top. It is enough to breathe for 2-3 minutes, then remove the blanket, wipe the child’s face and change his clothes. After inhalation it is better to lie down.

When the baby is 3-4 years old or older, it is convenient to use a nebulizer for inhalation: the medicine quickly reaches the bronchi and spreads through the alveoli, which makes breathing easier and speeds up the healing process. Treatment of bronchitis in a 3-year-old child is not much different from the treatment of a preschooler aged 4 years and older. At this age, he already understands adult speech well and does not resist all kinds of procedures.

What to do in case of inflammation of the bronchi, besides antibacterial therapy, inhalations, and thermal procedures? They use folk remedies that have been proven by many generations, for example, drinking hot milk with a pinch of soda and a piece of butter. This miraculous remedy warms the child, softens the respiratory tract and promotes the removal of mucus. It is better to take it 2 times a day. When a small patient’s temperature drops, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures: electrophoresis, UHF, chest massage.

If the baby does not want to lie in bed, there is no need to force him: let him play and move as usual. It is useful to teach him to do breathing exercises to prevent stagnation of mucus in the bronchi and improve health.

When the little patient recovers, parents should take care to prevent bronchitis so that the disease does not become chronic. To do this, it is necessary to harden the child (it’s good to send him to swimming), walk with him every day, carefully treat all inflammatory processes in the baby’s body (rhinitis, tonsillitis, caries) in order to prevent the spread of infection. It is necessary to protect the child from contact with sick children and avoid crowded places.

The second most severe respiratory pathology in young children, after pneumonia, is bronchitis. Parents are sometimes very frightened by this diagnosis, and they ask the doctor many questions. I’ll say right away - bronchitis at the present stage can be treated quite successfully and goes away without a trace - if everything is done correctly.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory process of the bronchial mucosa. This disease can occur in acute or chronic form (which is much less common in children than in adults). Most often, acute bronchitis in children begins after a viral infection (for example, influenza), which causes damage to the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract. Among the viral pathogens, the most common are influenza, parainfluenza, and adenoviruses. First, the child’s throat becomes inflamed, and then the infection spreads further, affecting the bronchi. As a rule, the large bronchi are affected first, then the smaller ones. This is the first reason for the development of bronchitis.

The second reason is less common - a bacterial infection. Among the bacterial pathogens currently leading are streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella. We are also talking about microbes, which are most often “transported” into the respiratory tract along with foreign bodies. A small child, talking while eating, can inhale a piece of carrot, apple or seed. In addition, young researchers love to pull everything into mouth, and they may accidentally inhale small parts of toys. Foreign bodies, of course, leave the respiratory tract, but the infection may remain and then bronchitis develops.

The third reason why a diagnosis of bronchitis is made is mixed. That is, first a viral and then a bacterial infection enters the respiratory tract.

The fourth reason is damage to the bronchi under the influence of irritating chemical or physical factors. For example, when inhaling gasoline vapors or contaminated smoke.

The fifth reason is allergic. Some children are hypersensitive to certain allergens, be it tree or flower pollen, house dust, or the odors of laundry detergents or soaps. All this can cause a reaction in the bronchial mucosa.

Symptoms of bronchitis in children

The term “bronchitis” refers to lesions of the bronchi of any caliber; “bronchiolitis” - mainly of small bronchi and bronchioles, “tracheobronchitis” - trachea in combination with bronchi. The classification adopted in Russia distinguishes acute bronchitis, acute obstructive bronchitis, bronchiolitis (including obliterative).

Acute bronchitis against the background of an acute viral infection in most cases does not require any specific treatment. The main focus of treatment in this case is control of the symptoms of the disease and general care of the patient. The main symptoms of acute bronchitis are fever, cough, and feeling of weakness. As it became clear, the same symptoms characterize most cases of “colds”. It is important to note, however, that in the uncomplicated course of acute bronchitis, the increase in body temperature and the feeling of weakness are moderate, while in severe forms of acute respiratory viral infection the patient’s serious condition is noted.

The main manifestations that allow the doctor and parents to suspect the baby has bronchitis are cough, diffuse dry and variable moist rales in the lungs. The main symptoms of inflammation of the bronchial mucosa are cough (dry or hacking), elevated body temperature, chest pain, and wheezing. When you cough, you may produce phlegm. In acute bronchitis, it appears as a clear liquid without pus; in chronic bronchitis, it appears with pus.

X-rays complement the picture - when examining there are no specific signs (as, for example, with pneumonia), usually an increase in the pulmonary pattern, expansion and non-structure of the roots of the lung are determined in the absence of infiltrative and focal shadows in the lung tissue.

In young children, bronchitis can occur with bronchial obstruction syndrome (blockage of small sections of the bronchi) - because of this, the main function of the respiratory system is disrupted - the exchange of gases and hypoxia develops. Bronchi of different sizes are affected; this occurs against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection, which causes characteristic clinical symptoms. Broncho-obstructive syndrome usually develops on the 3-4th day of acute respiratory viral infection and is manifested by expiratory (on exhalation) shortness of breath, noisy wheezing, scattered dry and varied wet rales in the lungs. X-ray reveals an increase in the pulmonary pattern, signs of swelling of the lung tissue (increased transparency, horizontal position of the ribs, high standing and flattening of the domes of the diaphragm) in the absence of infiltrative and focal shadows in the lungs. Relapses, that is, repeated episodes of obstructive bronchitis are always associated with ARVI and usually stop by the age of 3-4 years.

Acute bronchiolitis occurs with primary damage to the small bronchi and bronchioles. It develops, as a rule, in children of the first year of life against the background of acute respiratory viral infection and is manifested by severe broncho-obstructive syndrome and respiratory failure. Characterized by severe shortness of breath of an expiratory nature (difficulty in exhaling only) or mixed (difficulty in both inhalation and exhalation) with the participation of auxiliary muscles - the abdomen and intercostal muscles, retraction of the compliant areas of the chest, flaring of the wings of the nose, cyanosis (blue discoloration). When listening to the chest, the doctor will hear diffuse moist, finely bubbling and crepitating (as if crunching) rales. An x-ray reveals a sharp swelling of the lung tissue and a depletion of the vascular pattern.

Repeated episodes of acute bronchitis, diagnosed 2-3 times a year or more against the background of respiratory viral infections, are defined as recurrent bronchitis. Clinical and radiological manifestations during the disease period correspond to the signs of acute bronchitis. It occurs mainly in children in the first 4-5 years of life.

Timely diagnosis of various forms of bronchitis is necessary to select adequate therapy and a monitoring system for children.

How to treat bronchitis in children?

First of all, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that you should not self-medicate. Parents should definitely consult a doctor who will give recommendations based on the cause of the disease. Treatment is prescribed depending on the age of the patient and the characteristics of the course of the disease. For example, not all acute bronchitis requires antibiotic treatment. Such measures are generally needed only when there is a threat of a bacterial infection turning into pneumonia. However, only a doctor can determine this.

A doctor may recommend treating a child’s bronchitis at home. But if symptoms of intoxication appear, high temperature in the evenings (up to 38 degrees), shortness of breath, then hospitalization is necessary. This is especially true for young children (under 3 years old). If the child is older, treatment can be carried out at home.

The basic principle of treating children with infectious bronchitis, with all their diversity, comes down to suppressing the infectious onset, improving bronchial cleansing and general therapy. The leading role belongs to antibiotic therapy. Adequate antibiotic therapy can not only relieve the symptoms of acute inflammation, but also lead to the removal of the pathogen, reducing the duration of treatment and speedy recovery.

The choice of starting drug is carried out taking into account the probable etiology (cause) and sensitivity of the suspected pathogen to antimicrobial drugs. In this case, it is always preferable to take one drug by mouth. Currently, three groups of antibiotics, the so-called “gold standard” drugs, are most widely used as first-choice antibacterial drugs: penicillins (amoxicillin, inhibitor-protected penicillins), II-III generation cephalosporins) and macrolides.

For mild to moderately severe exacerbation of chronic inflammation, more often in school-age children, treatment can only be carried out with oral (by mouth) antibiotics.

In case of pronounced inflammation activity, antibiotic therapy is carried out in a “stepped” therapy mode. In this case, antibiotics are first prescribed parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly). When the patient's condition improves (usually after 3-5 days), they switch to oral antibiotics.

If, during therapy, the child’s condition has improved, the temperature has dropped, symptoms of intoxication have disappeared, appetite has appeared, and the child has become more active, then the choice of antibiotic was made correctly and treatment should be continued. If there is no improvement or it is slight, you should change the antibiotic. Indications for changing the antibiotic or adding a second drug are clinical ineffectiveness of therapy (persistence of fever, respiratory failure, intoxication, development of complications). Moreover, in this case, correction of therapy should be carried out taking into account the results of microbiological examination (culture) of sputum. Antibiotics must be used very carefully, because later, if a more serious inflammatory disease occurs, they may lose their effectiveness. The fact is that over time, addiction to the drug sets in, and then it can no longer be used. We have to turn to other medications, which are, accordingly, more expensive. Bronchitis should be treated in combination, using, if necessary, antibacterial therapy with physical methods, including a special diet and home care.

The duration of antibacterial treatment is usually 7 days (for acute bronchitis) and 10-14 days (for exacerbation of chronic bronchitis).

In recent years, antibiotic administration via a nebulizer has been used in addition to oral and parenteral antibiotics.

When treating children with bronchitis, agents whose action is aimed at improving the drainage function of the bronchi must be used. Mucolytic (sputum-thinning) direct-acting drugs - cysteine ​​derivatives - thiolics (acetylcysteine) are widely used in pediatric practice. However, it must be taken into account that these drugs should be prescribed only when the sputum viscosity is significantly increased, since they can make the secretion excessively liquid, resulting in a possible risk of developing bronchorrhea and flooding the lungs with liquid sputum.

Mucoactive drugs of indirect (secretolytic) action include derivatives of the alkaloid vasicine - bromhexine and its metabolites (ambroxol) and mucoregulators based on carbocysteine. These drugs normalize the rheological parameters of secretions, accelerate mucociliary transport, and have an anti-inflammatory effect, while the liquefaction of sputum is practically not accompanied by an increase in its volume.

Preparations of plant origin (ipecac roots, licorice, marshmallow, elecampane, thermopsis herb, thyme), which have an expectorant reflex effect, continue to be widely used in the practice of complex therapy of bronchitis.

Important elements of complex therapy for patients with bronchitis are physiotherapy, massage, postural drainage, and physical therapy.

Usually, bronchitis goes away in 2-3 weeks. But such a period is typical only with timely treatment. Unfortunately, in recent years the course of bronchitis and pneumonia has changed somewhat. The main difference is the long duration of the disease - up to 3-4 weeks. In addition, all the symptoms now began to appear more intensely. For example, sometimes children experience pain in the heart area. The severity of neurosthenic reactions becomes more frequent: the child becomes irritable.

Often, other diseases can be hidden under the mask of bronchitis. For example, congenital malformations of the lungs and bronchi. Therefore, all children who are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis need examination and treatment in specialized institutions.

Bronchitis after a cold

Sometimes, even with good care for a sick child, a cold is complicated by bronchitis of varying severity: from mild bronchitis, which occurs even without fever, to severe forms with high fever, with the addition of asthmatic syndrome. The main symptom of bronchitis is cough. At the beginning of the disease, the cough is usually dry. Gradually, the so-called “resolution” occurs, sputum appears and accumulates in the bronchi, and even without a phonendoscope, wheezing can be heard. These wheezing sometimes (when the child is small and does not know how to clear his throat) so torment parents!

When phlegm appears in the bronchi (wheezing becomes moist), we can assume that the disease has turned towards recovery. The main concern now is that the child clears his throat on time. It is clear that when the child is old enough, you can explain to him that he needs to cough and spit out sputum. It's more difficult with a small child. With every inhalation, with every exhalation, he wheezes - it seems that he himself would clear his throat for him... Sometimes in such cases, changing the position of the child helps to clear the throat. For example, your baby was lying on his right side, and you turned him to his left; at this time, sputum, under the influence of its own weight, begins to move along the walls of the bronchi, irritates them and can provoke a cough - which is what was required.

Bronchitis in children over 1 year of age.

Depending on the severity of the process, only the mucous membrane of the bronchus or its entire wall may be affected. As a rule, bronchitis occurs in spring and autumn following diseases such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, acute respiratory disease (acute respiratory disease); practice shows that children with adenoid growths and chronic tonsillitis suffer from bronchitis more often than other children. The causative agents of acute bronchitis can be respiratory viruses, staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, etc.

The onset of the disease is acute. A runny nose appears, then a dry cough. The child complains of general malaise. Body temperature rises to 38-39 °C and can last two to three days. After these days, the nature of the cough changes; the cough ceases to be dry and persistent (even exhausting), sputum begins to separate, which also changes over time - first it is mucous, then mucopurulent. Wheezing may be heard from a distance; the child clears his throat and the wheezing disappears. Recovery occurs in 7-8 days. In young children, acute bronchitis can occur with an asthmatic component, simultaneously with manifestations of exudative diathesis; Such bronchitis sometimes lasts for several weeks and ends with complications - pneumonia.

Treating bronchitis at home

Regardless of the severity of your child's bronchitis, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor. Of course, parents gain experience over time and already seem to know how to cope with colds and bronchitis (and even grandmothers tell them), but the child must be shown to the doctor. In addition to making an accurate diagnosis, he will also prescribe the correct comprehensive treatment and recommend the most modern medications. At the same time, you will show the doctor your first aid kit: perhaps something from your first aid kit will be used.

So, you will discuss the specifics with your doctor. And here are general recommendations...

Treatment of bronchitis is mainly symptomatic; a sick child is given antipyretics and expectorants; Distractive procedures are widely used (mustard plasters, warm compresses, foot baths, etc.). Antimicrobial treatment (antibiotics) is prescribed only in cases of prolonged bronchitis and when there is a threat of complications. Sulfonamides are not currently prescribed.

If a child gets sick with bronchitis, bed rest is necessary. Even though the child is on bed rest, the child should not lie still. He can sit in bed and play; he needs to change position from time to time - this will eliminate the possibility of congestion in the lungs.

An increase in temperature during bronchitis is a protective reaction of the body. Many microbes feel great at a temperature of 36.6 °C, but already at 36.7 °C they “retire.” If the child's temperature is below 38°C, let it rise a little; if it is higher, bring it down.

If a child has bronchitis, and especially with an asthmatic component, it is important that there is always fresh air in the room... It’s cold outside, and you need to ventilate the room. Cover the child with a blanket (over the head is possible) and ventilate. You can even create a draft for a couple of minutes.

You will not harm a child with bronchitis if you start giving him a decoction of coltsfoot. Drinking plenty of warm water is helpful. Milk with butter and honey works quite effectively. Don't forget about inhalations, soda inhalations. When wheezing becomes moist, seek the help of distraction therapy. Steam your child's feet. For bronchitis, distraction therapy is very effective: mustard plasters, mustard wraps, warm compresses, foot and general baths, etc. Try these treatments, but only if your child does not currently have a fever. Learn to alternate them: today you put mustard plasters on your child, tomorrow - a warming compress.

Get a massage once or twice a day.

Rubbing your feet (soles) with turpentine ointment gives a good effect: this is done at night; Apply a little ointment to the sole and rub it very, very hard with your palm (you will feel how your palm is baked), then put woolen socks on the child. And, of course, mustard plasters. You already know that mustard plasters are placed on small children through the diaper, and on older children - on the reverse side. Mustard plasters should not be placed on the heart area. The pepper patch is very convenient to use. Nowadays there are many warming ointments for children in pharmacies. If a child has acute bronchitis, decoctions and infusions of pine buds (10 grams of dried buds per glass of water), as well as decoctions and infusions of thermopsis grass (0.5-0.8 grams of dried herb per glass of water) have a good healing effect.

At the onset of bronchitis, the child’s cough is dry and painful. The doctor will prescribe expectorants for your child. For your part, give your child warm milk with Borjomi, soda and honey.

If the child begins to cough up sputum, it means that things are getting better. Now it is important to remove this phlegm regularly. Explain to your child how important it is to cough well. The lumen of the small bronchi is cleared and breathing becomes much easier.

Now the child’s cough occurs soon after changing body position. The child turned on the other side and a cough appeared. This is good. This helps cleanse the bronchi. Sputum, flowing onto the walls of the bronchi, irritates them and provokes a cough. Let your child change body position more often.

You can even have your child hang out of the bed with their feet on top, or set up an incline (feet up, head down). This promotes the flow of mucus from the bronchi.

Sputum that is expelled by coughing should not be swallowed. Explain to your child that mucus needs to be spit out.

The air in the room of a child suffering from bronchitis should not be dry. You'll do well to hang wet towels around the room or run a humidifier.

Regular inhalations are very helpful for coughing. Especially alkaline ones (breathe soda steam if you don’t have an inhaler).

For acute bronchitis, the following fees are recommended for a child:
Coltsfoot sheet - part 1
Plantain leaf - 2 parts
Horsetail herb - 3 parts
Primrose herb - 4 parts
Pour 5-6 grams of the mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for two hours. Depending on age, take 50-100 ml three times a day before meals.

Licorice root - 2 parts
Marshmallow root - 2 parts
Coltsfoot sheet - 2 parts
Fennel fruits - 1 part
Pour 5 grams of the dried mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for up to three hours. Take 20-30 ml three times a day before meals.

For frequent bronchitis, it is recommended to use the following preparations:
Thyme herb - 1 part
Sweet clover herb - 1 part
Fennel fruits - 1 part
Peppermint leaf - 1 part
Plantain leaf - 2 parts
Marshmallow root - 2 parts
Lungwort herb - 4 parts
Coltsfoot sheet - 4 parts
Pour 3 grams (about one teaspoon) of the dried mixture into a glass of cold water, leave for up to two hours, then boil for five minutes, strain. Take a sip during the day (7-8 times possible).

Ledum herb - 1 part
Oregano herb - 1 part
Alder cones - 1 part
St. John's wort herb - 2 parts
Sage herb - 2 parts
Rowan fruits - 3 parts
Pour 1-1.5 teaspoons of the dried mixture into a glass of water, boil over low heat for 15-20 minutes, strain. Take 20-40 ml three times a day before meals.

Carrot juice with honey. Prepare a glass of fresh carrot juice, add three teaspoons of honey, stir. Take two to three tablespoons several times a day.

Cabbage juice. Sweetened juice from fresh cabbage, take one tablespoon three to four times a day as an expectorant (you can use honey instead of sugar).

Plantain juice. Mix plantain juice and honey in equal quantities and give the child one teaspoon three times a day as an expectorant and emollient.

Marshmallow root infusion. Grind the dried marshmallow root into powder. Pour 5 grams of powder a glass of cold water and leave for 6-8 hours. Take two to three tablespoons three times a day.

Infusion of linden flowers. Pour one tablespoon of dried raw material into a glass of water, leave under the lid (you can also fold it under a cloth several times) for an hour, pour over it. Take half a glass three times a day.

Breathing exercises for bronchitis

Kids usually do this set of exercises with pleasure, because it resembles a game!
Crow. The child, sitting on a chair, raises both arms up to the sides while inhaling. As he exhales he says: “K-a-r-r!” and gives up.

Bug. The baby sits on a chair and holds his hands on his belt. While inhaling, he turns his body to the right, moving his right arm to the side and slightly back. After this, he exhales, saying “W-w-w-w-w.” Then he returns to the starting position, inhales and repeats a similar movement to the left.

Geese. The baby leans forward from a sitting position, arms should be raised to shoulder level. Simultaneously with the exhalation he says: “Gaaaaa.”

Stork. The baby does this exercise while standing. Invite him to portray a stork - arms raised to the sides, one leg raised, bent at the knee, and at the same time inhaled. As you exhale, the baby slowly lowers his arm and leg, while saying: “Shhhh.”

Crane. During inhalation, the baby’s arms rise up, and as they exhale, with the sound “Uuuuu”, they fall down along the body.

Flying. At the very end of the complex, the baby must quickly walk around the room, flapping his arms like a flying bird. The movement ends with walking with the obligatory slowing down of the pace.

All exercises must be repeated 4-5 times (last time at least an hour before bedtime). The child must pronounce sounds loudly and clearly. The main thing is that hissing sounds must be pronounced as you exhale.

Acute (simple) bronchitis- inflammatory damage to the bronchial mucosa without clinical signs of bronchial obstruction, predominantly of a viral or viral-bacterial nature. The main symptom of this type of bronchitis is a cough, which is dry at the beginning of the disease, and after 1-2 days it is wet with an increasing amount of sputum. Bronchitis is also accompanied by tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea), which causes a feeling of pressure or pain behind the sternum. Sputum is often mucous in nature; in the 2nd week it may acquire a greenish color, which is not a sign of microbial inflammation. The cough usually lasts up to 2 weeks. A longer cough is observed in infants with RS viral infection, and in older children with mycoplasma and adenoviral infections. With tracheitis and tracheobronchitis with fibrinous deposits, the cough may bother you for 4-6 weeks in the absence of other symptoms.

With bronchitis, diffuse dry and large- and medium-bubble, less often fine-bubble rales are heard, changing with coughing. Hematological changes (in the general blood test) are inconsistent; with mycoplasma infection, the ESR may increase against the background of a normal number of leukocytes.

Bronchitis with ARVI usually develops without signs of toxicosis at subfebrile temperature - 37°C-37.5°C (or febrile in the first 1-2 days) temperature, but with adenoviral infection it can remain high for up to 7-10 days. Shortness of breath, even in children of the first year of life, can be moderate (up to 50 breaths per minute).

Mycoplasma bronchitis(caused by M. pneumoniae) is more common at school age. It usually occurs with a high temperature, contrasting with a slightly disturbed general condition and the absence of signs of toxicosis. Inflammation covers the small bronchi, which is manifested by crepitus, fine wheezing, and an increase in small elements of the pulmonary pattern on the radiograph. Unlike viral bronchitis, mycoplasma bronchitis is characterized by asymmetry of wheezing. These signs, in combination with “dry” conjunctivitis (without effusion), make it possible to suspect bronchitis of this particular etiology.

Chlamydial bronchitis(caused by Chi. trachomatis) in children of the first six months of life often occurs without obstruction, severe shortness of breath, toxicosis and hematological changes; it is diagnosed when chlamydial antibodies of the IgM class are detected in any titer or class IgG in a titer above 1:64 (the diagnosis is considered reliable if the titer of IgG antibodies is lower in the mother than in the child). Chlamydial bronchitis (caused by Chi. pneumoniae) can be suspected by simultaneously occurring sore throat and/or cervical lymphadenitis. In adolescents, it often occurs with obstruction, sometimes being the debut of bronchial asthma with a late onset.

Bronchitis is very dangerous for infants, especially if you do not pay attention to it in time.

Acute simple bronchitis

What is acute bronchitis?

Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of bronchitis among children. At the same time, the causative agents of the disease are increasingly atypical: chlamydia and mycoplasma (Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, C. Pneumoniae). Let us immediately note that infections of this type can be very dangerous and require specialized diagnosis and treatment.
In other cases, treatment of acute bronchitis is symptomatic.

Do I need to take antibiotics for acute bronchitis?

The use of antibiotics for acute bronchitis is justified only in the case of a proven bacterial infection. Most often, the addition of a bacterial infection is manifested by the following symptoms: a second wave of fever (on the 5-7th day of illness), the appearance of copious purulent sputum, and a deterioration in the general condition of the patient.
The problem of whether or not to take antibiotics in the treatment of acute bronchitis should be decided by the attending physician. It should be noted that taking antibiotics unnecessarily can be even more harmful than not taking them when taking these medications is actually recommended.
Due to the increasing incidence of mycoplasma and chlamydia bronchitis in children and adults, in addition to such classical antibiotics as penicillins and cephalosporins, antibiotics from the macrolide group began to be used: erythromycin, azithromycin. The type of antibiotic, dose and method of administration are determined by the attending physician.

What should you pay attention to when treating acute bronchitis in children?

I would like to draw the attention of parents to the fact that in some cases, acute bronchitis can cause some serious complications (pneumonia, bronchiolitis); in such cases, treatment at home should be stopped, and the baby should be urgently hospitalized. Here are some signs that indicate an unfavorable course of the disease and the need to see a doctor:

Temperature above 38° C for more than 3-4 days and the baby’s general condition is severe.
- Severe shortness of breath in a child: in newborns and children up to 2 months, more than 60 breaths per minute, in children aged 3 months to a year, more than 50 breaths per minute, in children from 1 year to 3 years, more than 40 breaths per minute.
- Noticeable retraction of the skin in the intercostal spaces when inhaling.

Clinical criteria for diagnosing acute simple bronchitis:

The general condition of the child is usually relatively satisfactory, and symptoms of intoxication are moderate, low-grade body temperature usually does not rise above 38°C, and respiratory failure is not pronounced. The baby has a cough with scanty and then more abundant sputum discharge. When listening to the chest, the doctor may detect scattered dry wheezing (less often, intermittent moist medium- and large-bubbly wheezes).

X-ray data consist of an increased pulmonary pattern in the hilar and basal parts of the lungs. The blood test showed minor inflammatory changes (significant leukocytosis is not typical), moderate acceleration of ESR.

The duration of the disease in uncomplicated cases ranges from 1 to 1.5-2 weeks. Bronchitis caused by adenoviral, mycoplasma and chlamydia infections has a more protracted course.

Basic principles of treatment of acute simple bronchitis

Treatment is usually carried out on an outpatient basis at home, with the exception of severe concomitant manifestations of ARVI. Against the background of acute manifestations of ARVI, the regime is half-bed, and then at home - the baby can get out of bed and carry out his usual activities.

It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, in the form of herbal teas or infusions, fruit drinks, juices. The volume of liquid is 1.5-2 times the daily age requirement of the child. The diet is mainly dairy-vegetable with a limitation of extractive spicy dishes, seasonings, and a limitation of highly allergenic foods.

Antiviral therapy: interferon intranasally, 5 drops 4-6 times a day or in aerosols using an ultrasonic inhaler. If an adenoviral etiology of bronchitis is suspected, RNase, deoxyribonuclease. For influenza etiology, rimantadine, ribavirin, immunoglobulin against the background of acute manifestations of ARVI.

Antibiotics are not indicated in most cases. Indications for prescribing antibiotics are obvious foci of bacterial infection, pronounced inflammatory changes in the hemogram, and a tendency for a protracted course of the disease.
Antibacterial therapy is prescribed individually by a doctor. Systemic antibacterial therapy is carried out only for mycoplasma and chlamydial bronchitis (macrolides are used); it is possible to prescribe local antibacterial therapy, for example, Bioparox, which in this case has an additional anti-inflammatory effect.
Depending on the nature of the cough, antitussives (codelac, codeine), (mucolytics) expectorants (erespal, lazolvan, gedelix, mucoltin) are prescribed. Centrally acting antitussives suppress a painful, obsessive dry cough in the initial phase of bronchitis. Antitussives of peripheral action are indicated for dry cough associated with irritation of the mucous membrane, usually accompanying tracheitis. Expectorants are designed to have an effect that stimulates cough. The anti-inflammatory drug fenspiride (Erespal) can help reduce inflammatory changes in the bronchial mucosa. Fenspiride acts both directly on the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract, and on the processes accompanying infectious and allergic inflammation, which is combined with the prevention of bronchoconstriction.
Aerosol inhalations - soda, soda-salt. For attacks of obstruction, nebulizer therapy. For long-lasting cough (whooping cough, whooping cough with persistent tracheitis), inhaled steroids (pulmicor, salbutamol) are effective.

Postural drainage with vibration massage for excessive mucus discharge.

Antihistamines. Antihistamines are used in children with manifestations of allergies; their drying effect can be used in patients with abundant secretion. Active motor mode for drainage function of the lungs after temperature normalization.
At normal body temperature - chest massage.

Therapy should be comprehensive in combination with immunocorrective treatment.
Criteria for discharge to a children's institution: normalization of body temperature, reduction of catarrhal symptoms in the nasopharynx.

Obstructive bronchitis

In domestic practice, it is customary to distinguish between acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, but this distinction is to a certain extent arbitrary and is not recognized by many foreign pediatricians.

The terms “obstructive bronchitis” and “bronchiolitis” refer to almost the same form of bronchitis, which has only clinical differences. These terms apply mainly to children of the first 4 years of life, in whom most obstructive forms of bronchitis are caused by PC viral and parainfluenza infections. In older children, mycoplasma infection and Chi also play a role in the development of obstructive bronchitis. pneumoniae

The uniqueness of the clinical picture in infants and the rarity of the development of pneumonia allow us to consider bronchial obstruction as a reaction that protects the lungs from bacteria from the upper respiratory tract.

Obstructive bronchitis is manifested by severe difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm, prolongation of exhalation, against the background of which wheezing sounds are heard, heard during auscultation and often at a distance. Fine bubble moist rales and crepitus are heard in half of the cases.
Obstructive bronchitis is characterized by a dry, infrequent cough, low-grade fever, and the general condition often suffers little. Respiratory rate - 50, less often 60-70 per minute. Blood gas levels do not change dramatically. An x-ray shows swelling of the lungs, and a general blood test shows indicators characteristic of a viral infection.

Clinical criteria for diagnosing obstructive bronchitis:

Extended whistling exhalation, often audible remotely.
Upon examination, a distended chest (horizontal position of the ribs) is revealed.
participation in the act of breathing of auxiliary muscles with retraction of the most pliable areas of the chest.
cough is dry, paroxysmal, persistent for a long time.
Auscultation against the background of prolonged exhalation reveals an abundance of dry, whistling, and in later stages of the disease - medium- and large-bubbly moist silent wheezing.

X-ray: horizontal arrangement of the ribs on the diaphragm, lengthening of the pulmonary fields, strengthening of the roots of the lungs, low standing of the flattened domes of the diaphragm, increased transparency of the pulmonary fields.
Changes in the blood test correspond to a viral infection (leukopenia, lymphocytosis).

An episode of obstructive bronchitis differs from an asthma attack mainly in the gradual development of obstruction. Upon subsequent observation of the child, it may turn out that this was the beginning of bronchial asthma, attacks of which also often occur against the background of ARVI.

Course and prognosis.

Although an episode of obstructive bronchitis may resemble an asthmatic attack, in most children the obstruction does not recur or recurs 1-2 times only against the background of ARVI. Risk factors for the recurrence of episodes of obstruction and the development of bronchial asthma are:
the presence of allergies in the child or his parents.
IgE level is above 100 IU/l.
development of an episode of obstruction upon contact with a non-infectious allergen.
paroxysmal nature of the development of obstruction.
recurrence of obstruction - 3 or more episodes.

In these cases, it is appropriate to talk not about the “transition of obstructive bronchitis into bronchial asthma,” but about its early onset. In this regard, all children with obstructive episodes, especially those with allergies, are recommended to create an allergen-free environment and use a hypoallergenic diet, and if obstruction recurs, treatment with ketotifen for 3-6 months.

Considering the high risk of recurrence of acute obstructive bronchitis and the formation of bronchial asthma, children who have had at least one acute obstructive bronchitis and have foci of chronic ENT or bronchopulmonary infection are recommended to undergo immunocorrective therapy with a bacterial vaccine.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an inflammatory lesion of the terminal sections of the bronchial tree (small bronchi and bronchioles) in acute respiratory diseases, mainly in young children, accompanied by severe and often difficult to treat respiratory failure

Clinical criteria for diagnosing bronchiolitis:

A characteristic sign of bronchiolitis is severe expiratory (on exhalation) shortness of breath up to 80-90 per minute. Note the general cyanosis (blueness) of the skin. Auscultation reveals a mass of scattered fine bubbling rales over the lungs. Respiratory failure clearly prevails in the manifestations of infectious toxicosis. With significant respiratory failure, severe tachycardia and weakening of heart sounds are observed.

Diagnosis criteria for bronchiolitis according to Ogerro et al. (1983).
Symptom/Score
Shortness of breath more than 40/min. / 1
Whistling noise when exhaling / 2
Intercostal space retraction / 1
Diffuse fine bubbling rales / 1
Dry cough / 1
Increased body temperature / 1
Increasing the transparency of the pulmonary pattern on a radiograph / 2
Note: to make a diagnosis, the sum must exceed 6 points

Basic principles of treatment of obstructive bronchitis

Although the basic principles of treatment of children with obstructive bronchitis basically coincide with those for acute simple bronchitis, at the same time there are the following features of therapeutic tactics associated with the peculiarities of the clinical course of the disease (mainly with the severity of the obstructive syndrome).

Treatment of children with obstructive bronchitis and bronchiolitis with severe heart failure is carried out in a hospital setting, if necessary, oxygen therapy is required.

1. Bed rest in a position with the head end elevated.
2. Considering the significant loss of fluid with perspiration (intensified breathing), considerable attention is paid to adequate hydration (if necessary, parenteral).
3. Fractional feeding (liquid food is preferred). Dairy-vegetable diet.
4. Removing mucus from the upper respiratory tract with an electric suction.
5. Inhalation therapy, humidified oxygen for severe respiratory failure
6. Bronchodilators intravenously and by inhalation (aminophylline, b-adrenergic agonists). For bronchiolitis, the effect of bronchodilator drugs is insignificant.
7. Corticosteroid drugs.
8. Antiviral drugs interferon, amantadine, ribaverin.
9. Antibiotics for concomitant acute otitis media, pneumonia or other bacterial infection.
10. Mucolytic drugs.
Much attention is paid to the additional use of immunotropic drugs and antiviral agents.
Measures aimed at improving bronchial conductivity.
For bronchospasm, mucolytics, bronchodilators, and local corticosteroids (beclomet, becotide, etc.) are prescribed.

Recurrent bronchitis

Recurrent bronchitis is bronchitis without pronounced clinical signs of bronchospasm that recurs at least 3-4 times a year for 2 years.
Etiology - viral and viral-bacterial infection. The critical period is 4-7 years.
The clinical picture of recurrent bronchitis during the period of exacerbation is almost similar to acute simple bronchitis. However, the course of the disease is protracted, sometimes up to 2-3 months.
Paraclinical data:
A “non-reactive hemogram” is characteristic (no change in the blood).
X-ray changes are nonspecific.

Basic principles of treatment of recurrent bronchitis

During an exacerbation, it is treated as acute bronchitis. Much attention is paid to the additional use of immunotropic drugs, antiviral agents, and aerosol therapy. For bronchospasm, mucolytics, bronchodilators, and local corticosteroids (beclomet, becotide, etc.) are prescribed.

In the remission phase - dispensary observation and recovery in the clinic - local and climatic sanatoriums (stage 2).
Clinical observation is stopped if there have been no exacerbations for 2 years.

Folk remedies for treating bronchitis

Folk home remedies are used only in the treatment of school-age children and only in parallel with treatment prescribed by a doctor or for prevention.

• Boil two or three leaves of coltsfoot in half a liter of fresh milk. Add a small amount (at the tip of a knife) of fresh pork fat. Take one cup of coffee in the evening before bed.
• For severe wet cough, when sputum is difficult to clear or does not clear at all, you should give 2 to 3 drops of almond oil in sugar syrup several times a day.
• If bronchitis progresses and the child begins to choke, a doctor is needed urgently, as this is already very dangerous.
• For pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis and persistent cough, Vanga recommended an oat decoction prepared as follows: mix 2 tablespoons of oats with the same amount of raisins and pour in 1.5 liters of cold boiled water. Cook over very low heat or simmer in the oven, covered, over low heat until half the liquid has evaporated. Cool slightly, strain, squeeze, add 1 tablespoon of natural honey to the expressed liquid and mix thoroughly. Give children a teaspoon several times a day.
• Cut the radish into small cubes, place in a saucepan and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in the oven for two hours. Strain, discard the radish pieces, and pour the liquid into a bottle. Give your child two teaspoons 3-4 times a day before meals and at night before bed.
• Collect violets and snowdrops early in the morning, while the sun is still sleeping. Store in a dark place, dry in the shade. Brew 1 tablespoon of dried flowers per glass of boiling water and keep in a water bath for 15 minutes. After it has cooled, strain. Give your child 1 tablespoon to drink 3 times a day. For small children, you can add syrup and sugar. This is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. It can be used as a gargle.
• Garlic drink: boil five medium-sized cloves of garlic, cut into small pieces or crushed, in a glass of unpasteurized milk and give to children several times a day.

Herbs and infusions for the treatment of bronchitis

When using any herbs, you must be sure that the child is not allergic to them!

Crushed angelica leaf is poured with boiling water at the rate of 10 g per 1 glass of boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes and left for 2 hours. The finished infusion is suitable for use within 2-3 days. It can be replaced with powder: 1-3 pinches per day. Angelica infusion eliminates mucus in the lungs, chest and bronchi, and relieves heartburn.

Prepare yarrow tincture: pour 30 g of herb with 0.5 cups of alcohol or 1 cup of vodka. Drink 3-4 times a day, 30-40 drops before meals for bronchitis.

An infusion of nasturtium leaf is effective for chronic bronchitis. 10 g of leaf are brewed with 1 liter of boiling water, left for 10 minutes and filtered. Drink 0.5 cups throughout the day.

For bronchitis with viscous sputum, brew 0.5 liters of boiling water with 4 tablespoons of crushed plantain leaf and leave for 4 hours. Drink 0.5 cups 4 times a day.

Boil 2-3 leaves of coltsfoot in 0.5 liters of milk and add fresh lard to the broth at the tip of a knife. Drink 3 tablespoons before bed for bronchitis. Health portal www.site

Mix equal proportions of grass and lungwort flowers, picked in early spring. Brew 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Drink 0.5 cups 4 times a day for bronchitis.

Mix leaves and bark or young shoots of ash in equal proportions. Brew 1 tablespoon of the mixture with 1 cup of boiling water and heat over low heat for 20 minutes. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day for bronchitis.

Pour 1 glass of milk into an enamel bowl and put 1 tablespoon (without top) of finely chopped Icelandic moss. Cover the pan with a saucer or non-metallic plate and boil for 30 minutes, then strain. Drink the decoction hot before bed.

Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed oregano herb with 1 glass of boiling water, leave, covered, for 1 hour, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 5-6 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Strong oregano tea causes profuse sweating. It is drunk for colds, for convulsive coughs, for acute and chronic bronchitis as a means of enhancing the secretion of the bronchial glands.

Dilute the powdered marshmallow root with warm boiled water, bringing it to the consistency of thick sour cream. Take the resulting mixture 1 tablespoon 4 times a day before meals for coughs and chronic bronchitis.

Take 3 parts of licorice (roots) and blue cyanosis (roots), 4 parts of chamomile (flowers) and peppermint (herbs), 2 parts of valerian officinalis (roots), motherwort (herbs), St. John's wort (herbs) ). Pour 1 tablespoon of the collection into 1 cup of boiling water, keep in a closed enamel container in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, strain through 2-3 layers of gauze, squeeze and bring the volume with boiled water to the original volume. Take 0.25-0.3 cups 4-5 times a day after meals for bronchospasms.

Home remedies for bronchitis

For acute bronchitis, mix 100 g of ground flax seeds, 20 g of anise fruit powder, 20 g of ginger root powder thoroughly with 0.5 kg of garlic-honey mixture. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Peel 3 heads of garlic and, together with 5 lemons with peel, but without seeds, pass through a meat grinder or grate on a fine grater, pour 1 liter of boiled water at room temperature into them and keep in a closed jar for 5 days, strain, squeeze out the rest. Take as a resolving agent for diseases of the lungs and bronchi 3 times a day, 1 tablespoon 20 minutes before meals.

Take 5-6 large cloves of garlic, grind into a paste, mix with 100 g of butter and a bunch of finely chopped dill. Morning, noon and evening spread the mixture on bread. This oil will help with bronchitis, as well as pneumonia.

Boil finely chopped garlic (1 head) in fresh milk until it becomes completely soft. Grind in the same milk, add 1 teaspoon of mint juice and 2 tablespoons of linden honey. Take 1 tablespoon every hour for the whole day, the cough will become softer.

An excellent recipe for treating bronchitis: grind 1 kg of ripe tomatoes and 50 g of garlic in a meat grinder, grate 300 g of horseradish root. Mix and add salt to taste. Place in glass jars and store tightly closed in the refrigerator. Use: children 1 teaspoon before meals 3 times a day, adults - 1 tablespoon before meals 3 times a day. Warm to room temperature before use.

Mix finely grated onions, apples, honey in a ratio by weight of 1:1:2. For the treatment of bronchitis in children accompanied by cough, take at least 6-7 times a day, regardless of meals.

Infuse carrot juice, boiled hot milk and honey in a ratio of 5:5:1 for 4-5 hours and drink 0.5 cups warm 4-6 times a day for bronchitis.

Fresh carrot juice mixed with warm milk in a 1:1 ratio, take 0.5 cups 4-6 times a day for bronchitis.

Mix 1 glass of freshly prepared carrot juice with 2 teaspoons of honey. Take 1 tablespoon 4-5 times a day for bronchitis.

Mix 300 g of honey and 1 leaf of finely chopped aloe, pour 0.5 liters of boiled water over them, put on fire, bring to a boil and keep on low heat for 2 hours, then cool and stir. Store in a cool place. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day for bronchitis.

Several times a day, chew 1 clove of garlic with 1 teaspoon of flower honey until completely crushed for bronchitis.

Take 1.3 kg of linden honey, 1 glass of finely chopped aloe leaves, 200 g of olive oil, 150 g of birch buds and 50 g of linden flowers. Before preparing the medicine, place the aloe leaves, picked and washed with boiled water, in a cold and dark place for 10 days. Melt honey and add crushed aloe leaves to it. Steam the mixture well. Separately, brew birch buds and linden blossom in 2 glasses of water and boil for 1-2 minutes. Pour the strained and squeezed broth into the cooled honey, stir and pour into 2 bottles, adding an equal amount of olive oil to each. Store in a cool place. For bronchitis, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. Shake before use.

To facilitate the separation of sputum, it is useful to drink lingonberry juice with sugar syrup or honey. The product should be taken 1 tablespoon as often as possible. At the same time, it is recommended to drink tea from strawberry leaves.

Prepare fresh cabbage juice, add sugar (2 teaspoons per 1 glass). Take 1 glass 2 times a day as an expectorant.

Before using folk remedies, consult your doctor.

Bronchitis occurs when the lining of the bronchi becomes inflamed, caused by viruses or bacteria. In infants - as a complication of ARVI or upper respiratory tract diseases. It manifests itself primarily as a cough - first dry, then wet.

A pediatrician should make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. What does it consist of, and how else can parents help their child?

Features of the treatment of bronchitis in infants

In young children (up to one year old), bronchitis is dangerous because it can quickly turn from acute to chronic and even complicated by pneumonia.

The most dangerous form of bronchitis in infants is bronchiolitis - spread of inflammation to the small bronchi due to viral infection . The baby's condition worsens sharply, his shortness of breath increases and cyanosis occurs.

Under no circumstances should you hesitate to call a doctor if the baby is less than a year old or has a fever (above 38 degrees), shortness of breath, bluish lips and nails, or a severe nonproductive cough. In such a situation, immediate hospitalization is necessary.

Before the ambulance arrives, parents' help will consist of relieving cold symptoms

1. It is necessary to create optimal temperature and humidity using heaters and humidifiers, ventilate the room by going with the child to another room.
2. If the temperature is low and there are no allergic reactions, make breathing easier crumbs can be lubricated with warming creams and ointments.
3. To soften a cough, you can hold your baby in your arms over the steam. from a container with a hot, weak salt solution (but this is only if the child does not have a fever!).
4. Let your baby drink as much as possible to avoid dehydration. . When weaning from the breast or bottle, drink pure water from a teaspoon - little by little, but often.

At the hospital, the child will be prescribed a number of medications and procedures.

• Inhalation and oxygen breathing to get rid of signs of respiratory failure.
• Preparations with interferon.
• Antihistamines to relieve swelling and avoid allergic reactions to medications.
• Rehydrants for dehydration.
• Antibiotics - only if there is a need for them. Usually Augmentin, Sumamed, Amoxiclav, Macropen, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone are prescribed.

How to treat acute bronchitis in children after one year?

Severe forms of the disease will also require hospitalization. Children older than one year can be treated on an outpatient basis for mild forms of the disease, following the regimen and doctor’s recommendations.

To successfully overcome the disease, you will need to take a number of necessary measures

• Neutralize the cause of infection - viruses, bacteria or allergens.
• Relieve puffiness respiratory tract.
• Reduce the viscosity of sputum for its better recovery.
• Relieve dry hacking cough .

Parents should know what can and should be done at home

1. The basis of treatment for bronchitis is to adhere to bed rest, and drink plenty of warm drinks every 30-40 minutes (teas, fruit drinks, herbal decoctions, boiled milk with honey and butter, Borjomi, rosehip infusion).
2. The room where the baby is located must be warm (20-220 C), but well ventilated. To maintain the required humidity of 70%, it is necessary to carry out frequent wet cleaning without chlorine-containing products, use a humidifier or wet towels on radiators. Eliminate passive smoking. Continue walking only after the fever has subsided; you can also “walk” at home, wrapping your baby in a blanket, sitting by an open window or vent for 10-15 minutes.
3. All medications are assigned exclusively individually.
4. Additional events (distracting and calming) can be used only in the absence of contraindications and discomfort in the baby. A good help in treatment will be effleurage massage and baths with decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs (in the absence of fever). Again, all this is done only in the absence of high fever and on the recommendation of a doctor!
5. During illness it is recommended adhere to a strict dairy-vegetable fortified hypoallergenic diet. Meals are fractional, food should have enough calories.

What will the doctor prescribe?

1. Medicines that relieve wet cough (may be prescribed, but not required)

• Mucolytics to thin mucus— Ambroxol (Fervex, Lazolvan), Acetylcysteine, Bromhexine; mandatory when prescribing antibiotics.
• Expectorants for removing sputum from the bronchi- Pertussin, Mucaltin, herbal products (use marshmallow, anise, elecampane, thermopsis, licorice, plantain). It is not prescribed to infants due to the possibility of a gag reflex and increased coughing.

2. Remedies for dry, non-productive cough : Stoptussin, Sinekod.

3. If necessary, broad-spectrum antibiotics . They are prescribed with caution in cases of suspected bacterial origin of the infection and in children under six months of age - to prevent pneumonia. In other cases, according to the famous pediatrician E. Komarovsky, they do not reduce, but increase the risk of various complications - allergies, dysbiosis and the formation of resistance of microorganisms to the drug.

4. Paracetamol syrups that reduce inflammation and fever - at elevated temperatures.

5. Drugs to enhance immunity and fight viruses - vitamin C, echinacea, Bronchomunal, Aflubin, Umkalor, Anaferon, products with interferon.

Pharmacy medications should be given on a schedule at the same time of day. You should not mix several medications - keep a diary and note the intake of all medications.

• Carrying out inhalations using specially designed devices - steam, oil inhaler or nebulizer. For the procedures, saline solution, mineral water, soda solution, and essential oils are used.
• Steaming the legs and rubbing them with warming ointments - if there is no fever or allergies.
• Warm compresses with sunflower oil on the back and right side of the chest. Placed in the evening when there is no temperature.
• Vibration chest massage . It is prescribed when a wet cough appears; it is not used in the acute period of the disease or during fever. The child is placed on his tummy so that his head is lower than his legs. The skin is stroked and then beaten from bottom to top towards the spine for 8-10 minutes. After the procedure, the child must clear his throat, so massage should not be given to very young children.
• Turn babies from one side to the other more often - this will cause sputum movement and a reflex cough.
• Breathing exercises : “Blow up the balloons” and “Blow out the candles.”

Obstructive bronchitis in young children, what to do?

If, during bronchitis, a significant accumulation of mucus causes blockage of the bronchi, the cough becomes hoarse, and the breathing “whistles,” then the child’s condition is already quite serious and requires urgent treatment.

The primary task is to restore bronchial patency

1. Try to calm yourself and calm your baby , since when excited, respiratory failure intensifies. Age-appropriate sedatives can be used.

2. Do not refuse hospitalization, the hospital will help your child!

• Will do inhalation using a nebulizer or ultrasonic inhaler. Obstruction is effectively and quickly relieved with a mixture of salbutamol and glucocorticoid hormones. It is possible to use mineral water, alkaline soda solution, essential oils and medicinal herbs (if there are no allergies), and drugs to thin out phlegm. Up to 2 years of age, inhalations are used only in cases where the child is not afraid of the device, does not cry or escape from his hands.
• They will let you “breathe” with humidified oxygen.
• In case of severe dehydration and intoxication Infusion therapy with intravenous bronchodilators will be prescribed.
• Will carry out medical therapy according to the basic scheme with the use of antibiotics, expectorants, antihistamines, antipyretics, immunostimulating and antiviral drugs, physiotherapy and vibration massage.

Important! Antibiotics are prescribed only for bacterial infections. In case of obstruction due to allergies or a virus, the use of antibiotics is contraindicated.

Routine, hygiene, diet, drinking plenty of fluids and additional actions of parents - breathing exercises, vibration massage to facilitate the passage of mucus, compresses - the same as for acute bronchitis.

Additional postural massage - tapping the child's back in the morning - will be useful. The baby is placed on his tummy (the head should be lower than the legs) and tapped with the ribs of the palms cupped for about 10 minutes. Then the child needs to cough.

Besides, You are allowed to walk for an hour a day, dressing for the weather , away from roads (so as not to breathe dust and exhaust fumes) and places where many children play (so as not to provoke excessive excitement).

Folk remedies for treating bronchitis in children

You can apply rubbing with baked onions and bear or badger fat , cabbage-honey cakes, steam the legs with mustard or infusions of sage, chamomile, St. John's wort, mint in water at a temperature not exceeding 40⁰C.

Prohibited methods of treatment for bronchitis in children under 2 years of age

Bronchitis in children under 2 years of age requires parents to take a balanced and responsible approach to treatment. It should be remembered that some actions can lead to a sharp deterioration in the child’s condition.

What not to do?

1. Unauthorized changes in medication dosages and carry out treatment longer than prescribed.
2. Use untested “folk remedies” , especially for infants and children with a tendency to allergic manifestations. External products are tested by applying with a cotton swab or disk on the skin behind the ear or in the elbow, internal ones - on the tip of a teaspoon. In case of any negative reactions in a child, it is prohibited to use the product during the day.
3. Bathing baby in the bath . The respiratory muscles in children are immature, and the process of coughing is difficult. When steaming, clots of sputum in the bronchi “swell” even more and it becomes much more difficult to cough them up - the baby wheezes and suffocates, choking on liquid.
4. Contraindicated at elevated body temperature wrapping, rubbing with ointments with a warming effect and baths. Such procedures increase fever and can be harmful.
5. Carry out physiotherapeutic procedures during the acute period of the disease.
6. Use rubbing any warming ointment or balm, inhalation with essential oil and other products with strong odors, apply mustard plasters. In children under 2 years of age, they can lead to allergic reactions and bronchospasm.
7. Give your child up to one year of age expectorants . These drugs dilute mucus, but act only in the upper respiratory tract, not reaching the bronchi. The baby's larynx and nose are further clogged, making it even more difficult for him to breathe.
8. Give codeine-containing medications to infants.
9. Use medications in aerosol form - this can lead to a spasm of the glottis, and the baby will begin to choke.

Timely treatment will definitely give quick results, and the baby will delight you with good health and cute pranks.