Bronchitis tonsillitis. Bronchitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

25.07.202121.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the main symptoms of bronchitis. How is bronchitis diagnosed. What are the treatment options for acute and chronic bronchitis. Who is at risk for developing bronchitis. How can bronchitis be prevented.

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Understanding Bronchitis: An Overview of the Respiratory Condition

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi, the main airways in the lungs. This inflammation can lead to increased mucus production, coughing, and other respiratory symptoms. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic, each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches.

Types of Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis: A short-term condition that typically clears up within a few weeks
Chronic bronchitis: A long-lasting condition that persists for at least three months and is often associated with smoking

Is acute bronchitis common? Acute bronchitis is indeed one of the most prevalent lung infections, ranking among the top five reasons for GP visits. It can affect people of all ages but is particularly common in children under five years old. The condition tends to occur more frequently during winter months and often develops following a cold, sore throat, or flu.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Bronchitis

Identifying the symptoms of bronchitis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. While the presentation may vary between individuals, there are several common signs to watch for.

Common Symptoms of Bronchitis

Persistent cough, which may produce yellow-grey mucus (phlegm)
Sore throat
Wheezing
Fatigue
Chest discomfort

Can bronchitis symptoms last for an extended period? In cases of acute bronchitis, most symptoms typically resolve within two weeks. However, the cough associated with bronchitis can persist for up to eight weeks in some individuals. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is characterized by symptoms that last for at least three months and may recur over multiple years.

Causes and Risk Factors for Bronchitis

Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with bronchitis can help in prevention and management of the condition.

Common Causes of Acute Bronchitis

Viral infections (most common cause)
Bacterial infections
Exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, and strong fumes
Chemical cleaning compounds
Tobacco smoke

What is the primary cause of chronic bronchitis? Smoking is the most significant cause of chronic bronchitis. Over time, tobacco smoke can cause permanent damage to the bronchi, leading to chronic inflammation and persistent symptoms.

Risk Factors for Bronchitis

Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Weakened immune system
Frequent exposure to respiratory irritants
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Underlying health conditions such as asthma or heart failure

Diagnosing Bronchitis: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of acute bronchitis can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and appropriate treatment.

When to See a GP

Severe cough lasting longer than three weeks
Constant fever (38Â°C or above) for more than three days
Coughing up blood-streaked mucus
Presence of underlying heart or lung conditions

How do doctors diagnose bronchitis? To diagnose bronchitis, a GP may perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms and medical history. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions or assess the severity of the infection.

Diagnostic Tests for Bronchitis

Chest X-ray: To rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions
Sputum culture: To identify the specific pathogen causing the infection
Pulmonary function test: To assess lung capacity and check for underlying conditions

Treatment Approaches for Bronchitis

The treatment of bronchitis varies depending on whether it is acute or chronic, as well as the severity of symptoms and individual patient factors.

Managing Acute Bronchitis

Rest and hydration
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and fever relief
Over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants
Humidifiers to ease breathing

Are antibiotics necessary for treating acute bronchitis? In most cases, acute bronchitis is caused by viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics. Therefore, antibiotics are generally not prescribed unless there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection or the patient is at high risk for complications.

Treating Chronic Bronchitis

Smoking cessation programs
Bronchodilators to open airways
Inhaled or oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Oxygen therapy in severe cases
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs

Complications of Bronchitis and High-Risk Groups

While bronchitis often resolves without significant issues, it can lead to complications in some cases, particularly in high-risk individuals.

Potential Complications

Pneumonia
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Respiratory failure
Exacerbation of existing lung conditions

What is the most common complication of bronchitis? Pneumonia is the most frequent complication associated with bronchitis, occurring in approximately 1 in 20 cases. It develops when the infection spreads further into the lungs, causing air sacs to fill with fluid.

High-Risk Groups for Bronchitis Complications

Elderly individuals
Smokers
People with chronic health conditions (e.g., heart, liver, or kidney disease)
Individuals with weakened immune systems
Young children, especially those under 5 years old

Preventing Bronchitis: Lifestyle Measures and Precautions

Taking proactive steps to prevent bronchitis can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition and its associated complications.

Preventive Measures

Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Practice good hand hygiene
Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease
Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise

Can bronchitis be prevented through vaccination? While there is no specific vaccine for bronchitis, getting annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent respiratory infections that may lead to bronchitis.

Living with Chronic Bronchitis: Management Strategies

For individuals diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, adopting effective management strategies is crucial for maintaining quality of life and preventing exacerbations.

Long-Term Management Approaches

Adhere to prescribed medication regimens
Participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs
Practice breathing exercises and techniques
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
Avoid triggers and irritants

How can individuals with chronic bronchitis improve their quality of life? Implementing lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, avoiding environmental irritants, and following a comprehensive treatment plan, can significantly improve symptoms and overall well-being for those living with chronic bronchitis.

Bronchitis, whether acute or chronic, can significantly impact an individual’s respiratory health and overall well-being. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage the condition effectively. Early recognition of symptoms, seeking timely medical attention when necessary, and adopting preventive measures are key to minimizing the impact of bronchitis on daily life. For those with chronic bronchitis, ongoing management and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in maintaining lung function and quality of life. As research in respiratory health continues to advance, new treatment options and management strategies may emerge, offering hope for improved outcomes for individuals affected by bronchitis.

Bronchitis | NHS inform

Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed.

The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus (phlegm). Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat and wheezing.

Read more about the symptoms of bronchitis.

When to see your GP

Most cases of bronchitis can be treated easily at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and plenty of fluids.

You only need to see your GP if your symptoms are severe or unusual – for example, if:

your cough is severe or lasts longer than three weeks
you have a constant fever (a temperature of 38°C – 100.4°F – or above) for more than three days
you cough up mucus streaked with blood
you have an underlying heart or lung condition, such as asthma or heart failure

Your GP may need to rule out other lung infections, such as pneumonia, which has symptoms similar to those of bronchitis. If your GP thinks you may have pneumonia, you will probably need a chest X-ray, and a sample of mucus may be taken for testing.

If your GP thinks you might have an undiagnosed underlying condition, they may also suggest a pulmonary function test. You will be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures the volume of air in your lungs. Decreased lung capacity can indicate an underlying health problem.

Treating bronchitis

In most cases, bronchitis will clear up by itself within a few weeks without the need for treatment. This type of bronchitis is known as “acute bronchitis”. While you are waiting for it to pass, you should drink lots of fluid and get plenty of rest.

In some cases, the symptoms of bronchitis can last much longer. If symptoms last for at least three months, it is known as “chronic bronchitis”. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are several medications to help relieve symptoms. It is also important to avoid smoking and smoky environments, as this can make your symptoms worse.

Why do I have bronchitis?

The bronchi are the main airways in your lungs, which branch off on either side of your windpipe (trachea). They lead to smaller and smaller airways inside your lungs, known as bronchioles.

The walls of the bronchi produce mucus to trap dust and other particles that could otherwise cause irritation.

Most cases of acute bronchitis develop when an infection causes the bronchi to become irritated and inflamed, which causes them to produce more mucus than usual. Your body tries to shift this extra mucus through coughing.

Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Over time, tobacco smoke can cause permanent damage to the bronchi, causing them to become inflamed.

Read more about the causes of bronchitis.

Complications

Pneumonia is the most common complication of bronchitis. It happens when the infection spreads further into the lungs, causing air sacs inside the lungs to fill up with fluid. 1 in 20 cases of bronchitis leads to pneumonia.

People at an increased risk of developing pneumonia include:

elderly people
people who smoke
people with other health conditions, such as heart, liver or kidney disease
people with a weakened immune system

Mild pneumonia can usually be treated with antibiotics at home. More severe cases may require admission to hospital.

Read more about the treatment of pneumonia.

Who is affected

Acute bronchitis is one of the most common types of lung infection, and is one of the top five reasons for GP visits.

Acute bronchitis can affect people of all ages, but is most common in younger children under the age of five. It is more common in winter, and often develops following a cold, sore throat or flu.

It is estimated that there are around 2 million people in the UK affected by chronic bronchitis. Most of these are adults over the age of 50.

Acute Bronchitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is acute bronchitis?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These airways are called bronchi. This inflammation causes increased mucus production and other changes. Although there are several different types of bronchitis, the most common are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis may also be called a chest cold.

Most symptoms of acute bronchitis last for up to 2 weeks. The cough can last for up to 8 weeks in some people. Chronic bronchitis lasts a long time. It is more common among smokers.

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection. This is most often the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection, or by physical or chemical agents that are breathed in. These may include dusts, allergens, and strong fumes, including those from chemical cleaning compounds or tobacco smoke.

Acute bronchitis may come after a common cold or other viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. It may also occur in people with chronic sinusitis, allergies, or those with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. It can be serious in people with lung or heart diseases. Pneumonia is a complication that can follow bronchitis.

What are the symptoms acute bronchitis?

The following are the most common symptoms of acute bronchitis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Back and muscle pain
Cough, first dry (non-productive), later, a lot of mucus is produced
Chest soreness
Chills
Feeling tired and achy
Headache
Runny nose
Slight fever
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Watery eyes
Wheezing

The symptoms of acute bronchitis may look like other conditions or medical problems. Talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Healthcare providers can often diagnose acute bronchitis by taking a medical history and doing physical exam. Tests may be done to rule out other diseases, such as pneumonia or asthma. Any of these tests may be used to help confirm a diagnosis:

Chest X-rays. A test that uses invisible radiation beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs.
Arterial blood gas. This blood test is used to analyze the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. To get this measurement, a small sensor is taped or clipped on a finger or toe. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot.
Cultures of nasal discharge and sputum. Testing the sputum you cough up or swab from your nose may be done to find and identify the microorganism causing the infection.
Pulmonary function tests. These are tests that help to measure the ability of the lungs to move air in and out of the lungs. The tests are usually done with special machines that you breathe into.

How is acute bronchitis treated?

Acute bronchitis is usually mild and does not cause complications. The symptoms often resolve on their own and lung function goes back to normal.

In most cases, antibiotics are not needed to treat acute bronchitis. That’s because most of the infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. If it has progressed to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary.

Treatment is aimed at treating the symptoms, and may include:

Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
Cough medicine
Humidifying the air
Increased fluid intake
Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Quitting smoking

Avoid antihistamines because they dry up the secretions and can make the cough worse.

What are the complications of acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis can worsen and progress to chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. If this happens, a different treatment may be necessary.

Can bronchitis be prevented?

Acute bronchitis can’t always be prevented. However, there are shots you can get to prevent its complications, such as pneumonia.

Check with your healthcare provider about getting the flu and pneumococcal shots. Getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia. The pneumococcal shot can protect you from a common form of bacterial pneumonia.

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. However, children younger than age 2, adults ages 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, and smokers are at the highest risk.

When should I call my health care provider?

Most often, bronchitis resolves on its own. If your symptoms worsen or don’t get better over time, call your healthcare provider.

Key points

Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These airways are called bronchi. There are several different types of bronchitis. The two most common are acute and chronic.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection, or by physical or chemical agents that are breathed into the lungs.
The most common symptoms for acute bronchitis include cough, chest soreness, runny nose, feeling tired and achy, headache, chills, slight fever, and sore throat.
Healthcare providers can often diagnose acute bronchitis by taking a medical history and doing physical exam. Blood tests, breathing tests, and imaging tests may also be used.
In most cases, antibiotics are not needed to treat acute bronchitis. If it progresses to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary. Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

symptoms and treatment in adults

Chronic tonsillitis is a disease characterized by prolonged inflammation of the tonsils. It develops after an untreated acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or an inflammatory process of the structures of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. As a rule, pathogenic bacteria on the tonsils are in a “dormant” state, but when the whole body or the oral cavity becomes cold, with injuries of the oral cavity, a decrease in immunity, or due to other factors, they are activated and cause an acute inflammatory process.

Contents

Causes of chronic tonsillitis in adults
Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis
Complications of chronic tonsillitis
Diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis
Tests for chronic tonsillitis
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

Causes of chronic tonsillitis in adults

Frequent pharyngitis . If you have a sore throat, we also recommend that you do not self-medicate, and make an appointment with a doctor, especially if you have pharyngitis several times a year.
Allergy . It can also cause damage, as it affects the immune system and reduces the body’s ability to resist infections.
Diseases of the dental system . Caries, periodontitis and other diseases of the teeth and gums are characterized by the development of infection in the oral cavity. If left untreated, the infection can affect other organs and tissues.
Low immunity . The body’s ability to resist infection decreases after an illness (for example, measles, scarlet fever, etc.) or in other stressful situations for the body (for example, hypothermia, overwork, malnutrition, regular stressful situations, long-term use of certain medications).
Inflammation in the nasal sinuses, adenoids, sinusitis, polyps, etc. We recommend not to ignore even a frequent runny nose and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
Deviated septum . Such a violation can lead to a violation of the ventilation of the nasopharynx and the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria.
Heredity . In about 3% of cases, tonsillitis is not caused by external factors, but is inherited from close relatives.

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis

persistent sore throat;
discomfort when eating and after sleep;
sensation of a foreign object in the throat;
white or yellowish patches on tonsils;
frequent cough;
elevated body temperature without other cause;
pustular formation of tonsils;
decreased performance, increased fatigue;
Bad breath from the mouth.

Chronic tonsillitis can cause complications due to the spread of infection from the tonsils throughout the patient’s body, for example, damage to the kidneys or joints. The disease affects the functioning of the immune system and partly affects the occurrence of collagen pathologies, for example, eczema, psoriasis.

Chronic tonsillitis occurs with periodic exacerbations, that is, transitions into an acute form. The cause of exacerbations can be SARS, the use of cold water, food, as well as hypothermia and other reasons. In this case, there are signs of acute tonsillitis, for example, fever, severe pain when swallowing, an increase in regional lymph nodes.

Complications of chronic tonsillitis

The most common complication is a paratonsillar (near-tonsillar) abscess. It is initially similar to a sore throat, since at the initial stage it is characterized by an increase in body temperature and a severe sore throat. But in the absence of timely treatment, the tonsil swells, and the pain becomes stronger: often patients cannot not only swallow, but even sleep or open their mouths. An abscess requires inpatient treatment.

But this is not the only complication. The infection can easily spread throughout the patient’s body, which is fraught with a variety of pathologies and lesions of internal organs. The most common complications include skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, etc. ), diseases of the genitourinary system, changes in thyroid function, arthritis (inflammation of the tissue of the joints), inflammation of the heart tissue (endocarditis, myocarditis).

Tonsillitis diagnostics

The doctor makes a diagnosis not only on the basis of complaints, the medical history and the general condition of the patient, but also taking into account the results of the tests – this is the only way to be sure of its correctness.

First of all, the specialist performs palpation of the lymph nodes and a visual examination under special lighting (pharyngoscopy). If the tonsils are enlarged, their tissue is loosened, reddened, there are thickenings, swelling, scar tissue, grooves, pus (especially with an unpleasant odor), curd-like discharge, etc., this may indicate the presence of chronic tonsillitis.

Tests for chronic tonsillitis

General and biochemical blood tests. They show the level of leukocytes, ESR, etc., tell the doctor about the degree of the inflammatory process and the reaction of the immune system.
Throat swab. As a rule, pus has a mucous structure and smells unpleasant. The analysis also allows you to determine the type of microbes – usually it is a streptococcal infection or staphylococcus aureus. The study also provides information about the general condition of the throat – a long-term chronic disease can provoke the development of other diseases, and it is important to identify them in a timely manner.
Urinalysis. It shows the level of lymphocytes, ESR and protein, helps to determine the activity of parasitic microorganisms and clarify whether they have penetrated into other tissues and organs or not.

Three days before the examination, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol, and two hours – from smoking and treating the throat with local medicines.

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

The simplest and most popular method of treatment is washing the tonsils. This is not a one-time procedure, it is carried out in a course, and the doctor selects the number of sessions individually. Washing does not always contribute to complete recovery, but even in this case it has a positive effect: it normalizes the patient’s well-being and condition, gives the body strength and reserves for recovery, and avoids surgical intervention and relapses.

Some doctors use a syringe flush. But practice shows that this method does not always allow you to completely clear the affected area from the infection, and some bacteria remain, which means that the disease can return. In the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki, washing is carried out using the Tonsilor apparatus. It uses vacuum and low-frequency ultrasonic action and works pointwise: with its help, the doctor can treat only the affected tissues (palatine tonsils), without touching healthy areas.

Benefits of flushing with Tonsilor:

High efficiency . The device allows you to completely wash the tonsil.
Active action . Low-frequency ultrasound exposure inactivates pathogenic bacteria and starts recovery processes.
Comprehensiveness . Several antiseptics act on the tissue of the tonsil at once.
Safety . Ulcers, pathogenic bacteria and microbes do not come into contact with the patient’s oral cavity.

At the first stage of treatment, Tonsilor washes the tonsils, further ultrasound exposure to tissues allows:

improve blood microcirculation at the site of exposure;
reduce the formation of scar tissue of the tonsils;
to improve the reparative regeneration of the tonsil parenchyma.

All this ensures fast healing.

If necessary, the doctor may also prescribe medications. They allow you to normalize body temperature, have an analgesic effect, reduce swelling, increase immunity, etc. In some cases, physiotherapy is indicated: electrophoresis, laser therapy, UHF, UVI, magnetic therapy, etc.

Full recovery is possible only if the cause of the disease is eliminated, for example, caries, pharyngitis, etc. Proper nutrition, hardening of the body, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, and moderate physical activity help to improve immunity and avoid the recurrence of the disease.

Contraindications to the procedure of washing the tonsils on the device “Tonzilor”

Any medical intervention, including washing on the Tonsilor apparatus, has a number of contraindications. Therefore, before treatment, each patient is examined by a doctor. He studies the medical history, concomitant diseases, the general condition of the patient, the presence of indications and contraindications, and only then selects the optimal treatment program, the most suitable and effective method for washing the tonsils in each case.

Rehabilitation clinic in Khamovniki

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis in Moscow is carried out by various clinics. Contact the one whose specialists you trust. The doctors of the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki have extensive experience, regularly improve their skills and treat each patient with attention, achieving high results. We use only modern equipment, follow all the novelties and the latest techniques and use the best of them in our practice.

Read also about tonsillitis on our website.