Bronchitis forum: Experiences with Bronchitis | HealthUnlocked
Experiences with Bronchitis | HealthUnlocked
Experiences with
Bronchitis
Check if you have bronchitis
Symptoms of bronchitis can be similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms include:
- a cough – you may cough up clear, white, yellow or green mucus
- chest pain when coughing
- shortness of breath
- a sore throat
- a runny nose
- a high temperature
Things you can do to help with bronchitis
There are some things you can do to ease the symptoms of bronchitis and reduce the risk of spreading infections to other people.
get plenty of rest – try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
drink plenty of fluids
take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain and bring down a high temperature
try adding honey to a warm drink to help soothe your throat (do not give honey to babies under 1)
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – put used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible
wash your hands regularly with water and soap
do not smoke
- you’ve had a cough for more than 3 weeks
- you cough up blood or blood-stained mucus
- you have chest pain that comes and goes, or when breathing or coughing
- you’re over 65
- you’re pregnant
- you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, you have a condition that affects the immune system, or you’re having chemotherapy
- you feel very unwell
- you are struggling to breathe – you are choking, gasping and unable to speak
- you have pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the lips, tongue or gums, under the nails or around the eyes
- you suddenly feel confused – for example, you do not know where you are
- you’re unable to wake your baby or they feel floppy
Treatments for bronchitis
Bronchitis usually clears up without treatment in around 3 weeks.
See a GP if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks.
You may need antibiotics if your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Symptoms of bronchitis include a cough (which may have clear, white, yellow or green mucus), shortness of breath and a high temperature.
You can ease the symptoms of bronchitis with rest, painkillers, and by drinking plenty of fluids. Try to stay at home to avoid spreading it.
Bronchitis usually gets better on its own without treatment in around 3 weeks. You may need antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection.
Related links
Bronchitis
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1,153 public posts
chronic bronchitis. Can’t seem to get rid of it On inhaler. Nebulizer singular. Flonase. Allergy pill. Cough med. And antibiotics
chronic bronchitis. Can’t get rid of it. On inhaler. Nebulizer. Flonase.
Singular. Cough meds. Allergy pill Now I think I have pleurisy. Help
chronic bronchitis. Can’t get rid of it. On inhaler. Nebulizer. Flonase. Singular. Cough meds. Allergy pill Now I think I have pleurisy. Help
Fuscojo
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Acute Bronchitis advise
I have bad asthma and 95% of the time my regular colds turn into bronchitis. With wearing masks I have not had a cold or bronchitis for 2.5+ years. I am now on day 9 of bronchitis and was wondering if anyone can tell me how long the wheezing and lungs full of phlegm usually last with bronchitis?
I have bad asthma and 95% of the time my regular colds turn into bronchitis. With wearing masks I have not had a cold or bronchitis for 2.5+ years. I am now on day 9 of bronchitis and was wondering if anyone can tell me how long the wheezing and lungs full of phlegm usually last with bronchitis?
AnxiousCanadianChic
in Asthma Community Forum
000Z” title=”Friday, November 18th, 2022 5:33 AM”>8 months ago
I have COPD
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis
Bliss2
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
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Covid Antivirals
I don’t have copd but fairly full on chronic bronchitis. I’m concerned that it’l be a rough dose . Whats the criteria for getting antivirals for covid?
I don’t have copd but fairly full on chronic bronchitis. I’m concerned that it’l be a rough dose . Whats the criteria for getting antivirals for covid?
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
bronchitis
medication to help thin mucus on chest, to help remove mucus easier
medication to help thin mucus on chest, to help remove mucus easier
Sc99By542
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
000Z” title=”Tuesday, September 6th, 2022 3:33 PM”>10 months ago
nebuliser recommendations?
Thought it may help to clear some much (chronic bronchitis) as I seem to be tied all the time lately- chest feel tighter, wheezier etc
Do people find nubulised saline effective at all?
Thought it may help to clear some much (chronic bronchitis) as I seem to be tied all the time lately- chest feel tighter, wheezier etc
Do people find nubulised saline effective at all?
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Chemo mucositis?
After chemo session #5 I thought I had bronchitis; coughing up very thick mucus from down deep in the chest, but it cleared up in about 10 days, and is back again after chemo #6, so I’m guessing it’s chemo induced mucositis.
After chemo session #5 I thought I had bronchitis; coughing up very thick mucus from down deep in the chest, but it cleared up in about 10 days, and is back again after chemo #6, so I’m guessing it’s chemo induced mucositis.
Gl448
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Bizarre Diagnosis
But I got a really weird letter from the Consultant saying that the diagnosis is therefore chronic bronchitis, which she never mentioned in her chat with me.
I looked it up and chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD. Except… I only have one COPD symptom, which is a productive cough.
But I got a really weird letter from the Consultant saying that the diagnosis is therefore chronic bronchitis, which she never mentioned in her chat with me.
I looked it up and chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD. Except… I only have one COPD symptom, which is a productive cough.
porthos06
in Asthma Community Forum
bronchitis amoxicillin
hi everyone I’m new to this forum I’ve just been diagnosed with bronchitis by my GP and put on a course of antibiotics amoxicillin 500 3 times a day , I’ve only had one days course so far , when will they kick in or I start to feel better the lack of sleep is unbearable, and coughing through the night
hi everyone I’m new to this forum I’ve just been diagnosed with bronchitis by my GP and put on a course of antibiotics amoxicillin 500 3 times a day , I’ve only had one days course so far , when will they kick in or I start to feel better the lack of sleep is unbearable, and coughing through the night
Bluey43
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
000Z” title=”Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 2:44 AM”>9 months ago
Brown Inhaler side effects.
Using a brown inhaler twice a day for post viral bronchitis, started using it a week ago. Now have bacterial Pharyngitis and little voice, feel absolutely awful. Antibiotics just started. Should I carry on using my inhaler?
Could my brown inhaler be affecting my voice.
Using a brown inhaler twice a day for post viral bronchitis, started using it a week ago. Now have bacterial Pharyngitis and little voice, feel absolutely awful. Antibiotics just started. Should I carry on using my inhaler?
Could my brown inhaler be affecting my voice.
Ellapoodle
in Asthma Community Forum
Dronedarone(Multaq) and lungfibrosis
My kidney and liver function tests were ok but during the last few years I developed a persistent dry cough and recurrent bouts of bronchitis.
My kidney and liver function tests were ok but during the last few years I developed a persistent dry cough and recurrent bouts of bronchitis.
Nyhyttan123
in AF Association
My Condition
I was diagnosed with Asthma and mild Bronchiectasis 2 years ago I had a cough for almost 35 years after a severe bout of bronchitis I eventually saw a lung consultant in Glasgow who diagnosed my condition I have had 3 lung scans and my condition is stable
My asthma is cough and I have about 4 to 5
I was diagnosed with Asthma and mild Bronchiectasis 2 years ago I had a cough for almost 35 years after a severe bout of bronchitis I eventually saw a lung consultant in Glasgow who diagnosed my condition I have had 3 lung scans and my condition is stable
My asthma is cough and I have about 4 to 5
leonierose
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
000Z” title=”Monday, July 3rd, 2023 9:50 PM”>3 days ago
Non obstructive chronic bronchitis
In hindsight possibly bronchitis with each cold.
Consultant now agrees this looks like chronic bronchitis without obstruction. Prescribed forstair, didn’t do much. About to start Relva. Use vetolin as & when.
Not dealing too well with it – very deflated.
In hindsight possibly bronchitis with each cold.
Consultant now agrees this looks like chronic bronchitis without obstruction. Prescribed forstair, didn’t do much. About to start Relva. Use vetolin as & when.
Not dealing too well with it – very deflated.
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Enerzair Inhaler
It’s a bit disconcerting to be on what appears to be a pretty strong inhaler a year into chronic bronchitis. I feel it leaves little room to up the meds.
It’s a bit disconcerting to be on what appears to be a pretty strong inhaler a year into chronic bronchitis. I feel it leaves little room to up the meds.
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
covid (any benefit to azithromycin)
*I have quite symptomatic chronic bronchitis (not copd yet as not under .70 – I’m sure it’s only a matter of time given the quantity of gunk, wheeze, tightness, constant fatigue – covid aside).
*I have quite symptomatic chronic bronchitis (not copd yet as not under .70 – I’m sure it’s only a matter of time given the quantity of gunk, wheeze, tightness, constant fatigue – covid aside).
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Long Covid and Breathlessness
I had an episode of acute bronchitis in October.
Was hospitalised and treated with IV antibiotics. First time I have ever had a chest infection:
I have had a cardio review and all is normal. He gave me the brown and blue inhalers to try which made a significant difference.
I had an episode of acute bronchitis in October. Was hospitalised and treated with IV antibiotics. First time I have ever had a chest infection:
I have had a cardio review and all is normal. He gave me the brown and blue inhalers to try which made a significant difference.
pussycatwillow
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
When to start Antibiotics when get bad cold when on W and Wait
After 2 weeks I was given antibiotics. 2 weeks ago I got possibly same infection back with now just bronchitis. I have been expecting it to go away but not yet.
Should I not take antibiotics, have them ready, for this or next flu episode.
After 2 weeks I was given antibiotics. 2 weeks ago I got possibly same infection back with now just bronchitis. I have been expecting it to go away but not yet.
Should I not take antibiotics, have them ready, for this or next flu episode.
Marchmouse
in CLL Support
Severe Cold, to Bronchitis; PMR has not returned
A week later I had Bronchitis for the first time in my life and starting with week 3 my GP put me on a Prednisone routine of 40 mg, 30, 20, 10 over a course of 10 days.
A week later I had Bronchitis for the first time in my life and starting with week 3 my GP put me on a Prednisone routine of 40 mg, 30, 20, 10 over a course of 10 days.
Boss302Fan
in PMRGCAuk
Montekulast and Fostair
I had Covid last year followed by acute bronchitis some months later.
This happened when I was on holiday in the Far East. Hospitalised and intravenous antibiotics etc for a week. I have never had any chest infections prior to this.
It now appears I may have late onset asthma.
I had Covid last year followed by acute bronchitis some months later. This happened when I was on holiday in the Far East. Hospitalised and intravenous antibiotics etc for a week. I have never had any chest infections prior to this.
It now appears I may have late onset asthma.
pussycatwillow
in Asthma Community Forum
Bronchitis, hospitalization and pancytopenia
hi everyone,
I am currently on peg 45mcg/week and somehow got a nasty bronchitis that I was unable to shake. I was sent by my GP to the hospital ER to receive IV antibiotics and they decided to admit me because of my past history of having a heart attack and current stent (that’s another story).
hi everyone,
I am currently on peg 45mcg/week and somehow got a nasty bronchitis that I was unable to shake. I was sent by my GP to the hospital ER to receive IV antibiotics and they decided to admit me because of my past history of having a heart attack and current stent (that’s another story).
leefsu97
in MPN Voice
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Bronchitis Help! | The DIS Disney Discussion Forums
Eeyores Butterfly
<img src=http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/509
#1
Okay DIS Doctors, I need your advice.
I am at my wit’s end.
Three weeks ago I woke up with a gnarly sore throat, the kind that means a cold is coming on. By the end of the week I was experiencing some significant chest tightness (I have been told I have virus triggered asthma) as well as congestion. I called my doctor’s nurse and verified that I should refill my Advair and leave it at that.
At the beginning of week two I went to the doctor because that was not helping. I was told I had a sinus infection. I was given a script for antibiotics and prednisone and told to take Delsym. This is in addition to the Advair, Zyrtec, Nasocort, and nasal irrigation (and cold medicine).
Monday I went back to the doctor because it was still pretty bad. She took a chest X-Ray. I was told no signs of pneumonia (good) and that the X-Ray did not show signs of asthma, I have bronchitis instead. I was taken off the antibiotics and prednisone. She switched me from Nasocort to Astepro and from Delsym to Promethazine with Codeine.
The congestion finally cleared up a day ago, although there is still some drip. The cough is just as bad as it was however. The cough syrup is only helping a minimal amount, and I’m not sure that I can take it and do my weekend job at Worlds of Fun since I operate a ride.
It’s getting annoying. This is now the end of week 3 and it’s still here. I have a very physical job at school and it’s making it difficult. Yesterday I had to restrain one of my kids and could barely breathe by the end. Today I had to run after a kid who bolted and once again was having a horrid coughing fit when I was done. I can’t go work out because anything strenuous leaves me coughin and out of breath. I want to give it some more time to work before I go running back to the doc, plus, I hate to bother her so much (not to mention pay all those copays!)
Does anybody who has been through this have any suggestions?
kellydizfan
DIS Veteran
#2
I know the cough will stay around for quite awhile after the meds are finished.
Mine usually does. I have a sinus infection now. I would still keep a close watch on how you are feeling. Not to scare you by any means but don’t feel bad about bothering the doctor. Just last December, my cousin had a bad case of it that it wouldn’t go away. His infection went to his heart and we came very very close to losing him. He spent three weeks in ICU and was on a heart transplant list. He did not end up needing the transplant as his heart made a 100% recovery without need of any surgery. The hospital calls him their miracle man as they did not expect him to live.
lovemygoofy
DIS Veteran
#3
Drink ALOT of water.
Are you taking something similar to mucinex or mucinex itself? Whenever I have bronchitis, I have to start a week of mucinex dm which helps supress the cough and thins out the mucus to cough it out. Cought it out is why the water is so important.
If you need a good cough suppressant but can’t use something like mucinex, I also have taken tesslon pearls. Little yellow pearl things that are great for lots of coughing.
Also, when I start a coughing fit I have a cup of hot tea or coffee. The coffee really helps but some don’t take it because of the caffinee.
The cough could stay with you for a few more weeks. Hope you feel better soon.
LindaR
DIS Veteran
#4
Oh gosh! You sound just like me! I too, was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection and bronchitis.
I went to a walk-in clinic first (my doctor was not in) on a Friday. He gave me amoxocillian (sp?) and Tessalon Perles. The tessalon was great!
By Monday, I was really having difficulty breathing and not feeling ANY improvement other than the supression of the coughing. I called and got in to my own doctor. He said the amoxocillain was not a strong enough antibiotic for how sick I was. He switched me to Augmentin for double the amount of time. He also put me on an inhaler.
This was two weeks ago. The sinus thing is pretty much over. My chest does not hurt anymore and I can breathe BUT I still have a mild cough. It takes a while to go away.
Christine
DIS Veteran
#5
The cough will hang on for a long time.
I’m surprised that you are out of breath though. I would think that this cough and inflammation has now flared your asthma up.
My DD, who does not have asthma, got bronchitis over the winter. She cought for months it seemed. Finally, at the end they gave her an albuterol inhaler and within a week she was all better. Her airways were just very inflamed and the albuterol brought down that inflammation. Maybe you could try that?
Eeyores Butterfly
<img src=http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/509
#6
I have an inhaler, but it does not seem to do much for me other than make me feel shaky.
I wouldn’t mind the cough so much if it weren’t interfering with my daily activities.
The Tessalon pearls several people have mentioned, are they OTC or does that require a prescription?
heatherwillmom
DIS Veteran
#7
I am a Primary Care provider & we see a lot of Bronchitis in the office this time of year. It seems to be harder to get rid of than it used to be. My typically treatment is a steroid shot & a Rocephin (strong antibiotic) shot in the office. The I place the pt on a strong antibiotic that covers the lungs well so to prevent pneumonia.
I also give a cough suppressant & expectorant, an inhaler, along with a steroid pack. I don’t always give all this, but most of the time the patients are already so sick & having so much difficulty breathing, that if I don’t, they end up coming back any way
Bronchitis: what to do if the cough does not go away
Likbez
Health
September 18, 2021
Antibiotics are rarely needed.
What is bronchitis and how does it happen
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air from the trachea to the lungs and back, which is accompanied by coughing.
There are two types of the disease. The first is acute bronchitis. It usually resolves within 10 days, although the cough may persist for several weeks. Sometimes, without proper treatment, inflammation can lead to pneumonia.
The second type is chronic bronchitis. This is a constant irritation and inflammation of the bronchi, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Where does bronchitis come from
The main cause of acute bronchitis is a viral infection. It can be transmitted from an infected person to others during coughing, sneezing, talking or contact.
But sometimes inflammation of the bronchi is caused by other factors:
- bacteria or fungi;
- external irritants – steam, dust, smoke, including from cigarettes;
- gastroesophageal reflux disease, where acid from the stomach causes heartburn and can pass through the larynx into the bronchi.
Chronic bronchitis is most often caused by smoking, inhaling dust and chemicals, and sometimes due to a genetic pathology – a deficiency of the alpha-1-antitrypsin protein. It is needed to protect the lungs from the elastase enzyme, which is released during inflammation.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis
Both acute and chronic types are characterized by the following symptoms:
- cough with clear or greenish sputum;
- shortness of breath;
- wheezing;
- chest tightness, heavy breathing;
- sore throat;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- fatigue and weakness.
What to do if symptoms of bronchitis appear
It is worth going to a therapist, and if the temperature is above 38 °C, you can call him at home. The doctor will listen to the lungs, this is enough to make a diagnosis. Although in some cases the specialist prescribes an additional examination:
- Chest x-ray. The picture determines whether pneumonia has developed.
- Sputum analysis. Helps to understand if antibiotics are needed to kill a bacterial infection.
- Pulmonary function tests, or spirometry. A person blows into a special apparatus that measures the volume of exhaled air and the speed of its removal. This study is necessary for the differential diagnosis of emphysema and asthma.
How bronchitis is treated
It all depends on the type of disease.
Acute bronchitis
Doctors advise to rest, drink more fluids, but without alcohol and caffeine. The air in the house must be humidified using a steam generator or other available method.
You may also be prescribed medication:
- Over-the-counter painkillers to bring down the fever.
- Expectorants – if sputum comes out with difficulty during coughing.
- Bronchodilator inhalers.
- Antibiotics. They are sometimes prescribed if a bacterial infection develops.
But folk remedies do not help with bronchitis. Compresses, mustard plasters, hot foot baths and cups create the illusion of care, but they are powerless against viruses and bacteria.
Chronic bronchitis
Treatment usually includes drugs and advice on lifestyle changes. So, doctors advise quitting smoking and avoiding passive smoking, doing physical exercises to train the respiratory muscles.
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. Medications only help relieve symptoms. It can be:
- Bronchodilators. These are inhalers that expand the lumen of the bronchi.
- Steroid hormones. They are also available as an inhaler and help reduce inflammation.
- Antibiotics. Needed if a bacterial infection develops.
If a person with chronic bronchitis has low blood oxygen levels, they will be given oxygen therapy, or oxygen inhalation. And in severe cases, a lung transplant is done.
How to prevent bronchitis
To do this, experts from the reputable medical organization Mayo Clinic advise:
- Avoid cigarette smoke. It increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis because it damages the airways.
- Get a flu shot. It often causes acute bronchitis.
- Wash your hands frequently. This will help to avoid contracting a viral infection.
- Wear a surgical mask. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it will help protect against dust or fumes at work, and in crowds of people from infection. This will reduce the number of exacerbations.
Read also 😷🤒🤕
- What is pharyngitis and how to treat it
- How to protect your lungs from urban smog and dust
- How community-acquired pneumonia differs from hospital-acquired pneumonia and how they are treated
- 11 symptoms of pneumonia that you should not miss
- What is the danger of tracheitis and how to treat it
symptoms and treatment in adults, how to tell if you have bronchitis
What is bronchitis
Bronchi – branched, tree-like airways that carry air to the lungs.
The bronchi are large (they form the trunk of the bronchial tree) and small (like twigs). Small bronchi lead the airflow to the alveoli, the grape-like tissue of the lungs, where most of the gas exchange takes place.
Inflammation of the mucous membrane or the entire thickness of the bronchial wall is called bronchitis . With this disease, the bronchi swell and secrete a lot of mucus – sputum.
In some cases, the lumen of the bronchi can not only “clog” with sputum, but also narrow – this is how an obstruction occurs. Because of it, air cannot pass freely through the bronchi, and it becomes difficult for the patient to breathe.
Children of preschool age are most susceptible to bronchitis, as they often become infected with various viral infections. The main peak in the incidence of bronchitis occurs in the autumn-winter period.
Types of bronchitis
Downstream bronchitis is divided into acute and chronic.
Acute bronchitis is said to occur when the cough lasts no more than a month.
Chronic bronchitis is a chronic form of the disease. An exacerbation of chronic bronchitis can last from 1 to 3 months and recur several times a year.
Bronchitis is also divided by cause, localization of bronchial lesions, type of inflammation, complications and the presence of obstruction – narrowing of the airway lumen.
Due to:
- infectious – associated with the penetration of a bacterium or virus;
- non-infectious – associated with allergic, chemical or other factors.
By location:
- proximal – inflammation of the large bronchi;
- distal – inflammation of the small bronchi.
By type of inflammation:
- catarrhal – transparent sputum;
- purulent – cloudy greenish and yellowish sputum with pus;
- purulent-necrotic – sputum with an admixture of blood, which appears when the bronchial mucosa is destroyed.
Complications:
- complicated – with the addition of another infection or pathology;
- uncomplicated – without factors aggravating the course of the disease.
Bronchial obstruction:
- obstructive – with narrowing of the bronchial lumen;
- non-obstructive – without narrowing of the bronchial lumen.
Causes of bronchitis
Causes of infectious bronchitis
The most common cause of bronchitis is acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). They may be associated with the same viruses that cause colds and flu.
Bacterial bronchitis is less common. It can be caused by streptococci, pneumococci and staphylococci. In some cases, bacterial bronchitis joins the viral form of the disease as a complication.
Infectious agents – causative agents of bronchitis – are transmitted by airborne droplets through close contact with sick people.
When coughing and sneezing, they spread by aerosol – up to a distance of 3 meters. In addition, pathogens can remain on fabrics, dishes, children’s toys and other household items if an infected person has come into contact with them.
When sneezing, particles of saliva and nasal mucus are scattered over a distance of 2-3 meters
Causes of noninfectious bronchitis
Non-infectious bronchitis is often observed in smokers and employees of industries who inhale various dusts and fumes, as well as in allergy sufferers. If you eliminate the main irritant of the bronchi, the disease quickly passes.
Possible causes of non-infectious bronchitis:
- tobacco smoke – both direct and passive smoking;
- chemical vapors – ammonia, chlorine, vapors of paint and varnish products and others;
- industrial dust – wood, grain, textile;
- various allergens – pollen, mold, dust mites, animal hair.
Bronchitis mechanism
Infectious bronchitis begins to develop when a virus or bacterium enters the mucous membrane (epithelium) of the bronchi.
The infectious agent penetrates into it, multiplies and damages the cells.
The immune system reacts to the invasion, and immune cells move into the bronchi with the blood flow. They destroy the virus along with the epithelial cells that have been infected, and also trigger the inflammatory process. Inflammation leads to swelling and causes the mucous membrane to secrete more mucus for protection – this is how phlegm appears.
Non-infectious bronchitis occurs when particles that irritate the epithelium enter the bronchi: smoke, dust, allergens.
The cause of inflammation of the bronchi may be irritation of the mucous membrane of various dust, chemical damage to epithelial cells or an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of bronchitis
The main symptom of any bronchitis is cough . At first it may be dry, but after a few days sputum appears , coughing up which may be accompanied by chest pain .
With narrowing (obstruction) of the airways, shortness of breath appears .
Obstruction – narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi
Infectious bronchitis is often accompanied by intoxication syndrome . It occurs when pathogenic microorganisms begin to secrete the products of their vital activity into the blood – toxins, to which the body reacts with general inflammation.
Main symptoms of intoxication in bronchitis:
- weakness,
- chills,
- pain in muscles and joints,
- headache,
- elevated temperature (over 37–38 °C).
Treatment of intoxication syndrome is symptomatic, it is prescribed by a doctor.
Differences between bronchitis and tracheitis
Tracheitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea. This is the main airway that connects the nose, mouth, and lungs. Bronchus extends from the trachea into each lung.
So, if we consider all the bronchi as the crown of a tree, then the trachea is its trunk.
Tracheitis and bronchitis are almost identical in symptoms, and often combined (tracheobronchitis).
With tracheitis, pain from coughing does not occur throughout the entire chest area, but exactly in the middle – behind the sternum. The cough itself turns out to be stronger and “barking” than with bronchitis.
A doctor can distinguish tracheitis from bronchitis using a phonendoscope and after taking an anamnesis.
Differences between bronchitis and pneumonia
In general, the symptoms of infectious pneumonia and bronchitis are similar, but not the same.
The onset of pneumonia is usually sudden, with no prior symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, or cough.
Inflammation of the lungs also causes wheezing and shortness of breath. Breathing can be painful and labored, and in some cases the level of oxygen in the blood is reduced.
To distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis, your doctor may order an X-ray or CT scan of your chest.
Differences between bronchitis and whooping cough
Whooping cough is a disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease differs from bronchitis by obsessive sore throat and paroxysmal cough, sometimes with subsequent vomiting. The temperature, as with bronchitis, rises to 37-38 ° C. The disease lasts from 7 weeks to 3 months.
If whooping cough is suspected, the doctor may prescribe targeted tests.
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Complications of bronchitis
Pneumonia
Without treatment, acute infectious bronchitis can turn into pneumonia – inflammation of the lungs, or more precisely, alveoli.
Alveoli are the main lung tissue in which gas exchange occurs: oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is released. If the alveoli are inflamed, their functions are impaired.
The disease is often accompanied by high fever (above 38°C), cough and decreased oxygen concentration in the blood. Pneumonia is dangerous due to its severe course and often requires hospitalization.
Sepsis
In some cases, such as immunodeficiency or severe course without treatment, infectious bronchitis can lead to sepsis – blood poisoning. In sepsis, pathogens spread throughout the body and provoke inflammation in other organs.
Emphysema
Chronic bronchitis with a long course can lead to permanent obstruction and changes in the bronchial mucosa.
This, in turn, can cause emphysema – a severe chronic disease that gradually “stretches” the lung tissue. The alveoli lose their elasticity and swell, as if they are constantly in the inhalation phase, and then begin to collapse.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
The combination of chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Because of it, it becomes very difficult for a person to breathe, and most often the condition is steadily progressing.
Bronchial asthma
If bronchitis is chronic and it is caused by an allergy, bronchial asthma may develop against its background .
In asthma, the bronchi swell due to increased sensitivity to the allergen and their lumen narrows. During an asthma attack, a spasm of the muscles of the respiratory tract occurs, the lumen of the bronchi becomes very small and the patient loses the ability to breathe freely – suffocation begins.
Diagnosis of bronchitis
The diagnosis is made by a general practitioner or pulmonologist based on examination, listening to the lungs with a phonendoscope and patient complaints. To specify the disease, it is also important for the doctor to know how long ago the symptoms began and how often they appear in a year.
Also, to clarify the diagnosis, laboratory tests may be required: a clinical blood test, sputum analysis to determine the pathogen, blood biochemistry with markers of inflammation, liver and kidney indicators to assess the general condition, chest x-ray.
Clinical blood test with leukocyte formula and ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear when pathological changes are detected) (venous blood)
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C-reactive protein
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Total protein
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Potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), chlorides
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Clinical analysis of sputum
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Treatment of bronchitis
Treatment of bronchitis depends on its cause, duration and severity.
Treatment of acute bronchitis
Acute infectious bronchitis can be treated at home in most cases. Bed rest, rest, good nutrition and plenty of fluids are recommended.
If the sputum is too viscous and does not come out well, the doctor may prescribe expectorants. With severe intoxication and fever, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs are prescribed.
If necessary, bacterial bronchitis is treated with antibiotics, viral bronchitis with antiviral drugs.
Antibiotics do not kill viruses, but in some cases a doctor may prescribe them to prevent a bacterial infection from attaching.
In case of bronchial obstruction, bronchodilator inhalers may also be prescribed.
In acute non-infectious bronchitis, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of its occurrence – this may be smoking, harmful fumes, contact with dust or chemicals.
If an allergic reaction is the cause of bronchitis, antihistamines, regular wet cleaning and indoor air purification are recommended.
Treatment of chronic bronchitis
In chronic bronchitis, maintenance therapy is prescribed with drugs that expand the lumen of the bronchi, relieve inflammation and swelling. It is also important to give up bad habits, especially smoking.
Timely treatment helps relieve symptoms and prevent or slow down the progression of the disease.
Bronchitis prognosis
Acute bronchitis does not last long – from 2 to 4 weeks, if you follow the doctor’s prescriptions and take the necessary medicines.