How does bronchitis affect sleep quality. What are the most effective ways to manage bronchitis symptoms at night. Can dietary changes improve sleep for bronchitis sufferers. How can bedroom modifications alleviate nighttime bronchitis discomfort. What role do humidifiers play in managing nocturnal bronchitis symptoms. Are there specific sleeping positions that help with bronchitis at night. What medical devices can assist with nighttime breathing difficulties caused by bronchitis.

Understanding Bronchitis and Its Impact on Sleep

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes’ lining. This inflammation can lead to a range of symptoms that often worsen at night, disrupting sleep patterns and overall quality of life. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. While acute bronchitis typically resolves on its own, chronic bronchitis requires more intensive management.

Why do bronchitis symptoms often intensify at night? The body’s natural circadian rhythm plays a role in this phenomenon. During sleep, the body’s immune response changes, and mucus production can increase. Additionally, lying down can cause mucus to accumulate in the throat, triggering coughing fits that disturb sleep.

Common Nighttime Symptoms of Bronchitis

• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest discomfort
• Difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Fatigue

These symptoms can create a vicious cycle of poor sleep and weakened immune function, potentially prolonging the recovery process. Therefore, implementing effective strategies to manage bronchitis at night is crucial for both symptom relief and overall health.

Dietary Approaches to Alleviate Bronchitis Symptoms

Can dietary changes really make a difference in managing bronchitis symptoms at night? The answer is a resounding yes. A nutritious diet plays a vital role in boosting the immune system, which is essential for fighting off the infection causing bronchitis and reducing inflammation in the bronchial tubes.

Key Components of a Bronchitis-Friendly Diet

1. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
2. Lean proteins to support immune function
3. Whole grains for sustained energy
4. Healthy fats to reduce inflammation
5. Probiotic-rich foods for gut health

Which specific foods should you incorporate into your diet? Focus on colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, and bell peppers. Include lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and legumes. Opt for whole grains like quinoa and brown rice. Incorporate healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Don’t forget to include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir to support overall immune health.

Is there a connection between hydration and bronchitis symptom management? Absolutely. Increasing fluid intake is crucial for individuals with bronchitis, especially before bedtime. Proper hydration helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel and reducing nighttime coughing fits. Aim for a variety of fluids, including water, herbal teas, and clear broths.

Optimizing Sleep Positions for Bronchitis Relief

The way you position yourself during sleep can significantly impact the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Elevating your head and upper body can help prevent mucus accumulation in the throat, reducing nighttime coughing and improving breathing.

Effective Sleep Positions for Bronchitis

• Sleeping on an incline using extra pillows
• Using a wedge pillow to elevate the upper body
• Side sleeping with head slightly elevated
• Semi-upright position in a recliner chair

How high should you elevate your head? Aim for a 30 to 45-degree angle. This elevation is sufficient to prevent mucus buildup without causing neck strain. Remember to adjust your position gradually to find what works best for you.

Are there any sleep positions to avoid with bronchitis? Sleeping completely flat on your back can exacerbate symptoms by allowing mucus to pool in the throat. Similarly, sleeping on your stomach can compress the chest and make breathing more difficult.

Harnessing the Power of Steam and Humidity

Steam and humidity play crucial roles in alleviating bronchitis symptoms, especially at night. The warm, moist air helps to loosen mucus, soothe irritated airways, and promote easier breathing.

Steam Therapy Techniques for Bronchitis

1. Taking a warm shower before bed
2. Using a facial steamer
3. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water
4. Using a warm, damp towel over the face

How long should you engage in steam therapy? Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of steam inhalation before bedtime. This duration is typically sufficient to loosen mucus and provide relief without overly drying out the nasal passages.

Can a humidifier help with bronchitis symptoms at night? Indeed, a humidifier can be a valuable tool in managing bronchitis. By adding moisture to the air, it helps prevent the drying of mucus membranes, which can exacerbate coughing and irritation.

Tips for Using a Humidifier Effectively

• Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth
• Use distilled water to avoid mineral buildup
• Monitor room humidity levels (aim for 30-50%)
• Position the humidifier away from walls and furniture

Is there a risk of overusing a humidifier? While humidifiers are generally beneficial, excessive humidity can create an environment conducive to dust mites and mold growth. Always monitor humidity levels and adjust usage accordingly.

Medical Devices and Interventions for Nighttime Bronchitis Management

For individuals with severe bronchitis symptoms, medical devices can provide significant relief, especially during sleep. One such device is the BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) machine.

Understanding BiPAP Machines

How does a BiPAP machine work? This device delivers pressurized air through a mask, providing different pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation. This dual-pressure system helps to reduce the work of breathing, making it easier for individuals with bronchitis to breathe comfortably throughout the night.

Who should consider using a BiPAP machine? BiPAP machines are typically recommended for individuals with chronic bronchitis or those experiencing severe acute episodes. They are particularly beneficial for people who struggle with nighttime breathing difficulties or have underlying conditions like COPD.

Other Medical Interventions for Nighttime Bronchitis Relief

• Inhaled bronchodilators
• Corticosteroid inhalers
• Oxygen therapy
• Mucus-thinning medications

Is it necessary to consult a healthcare provider before using these interventions? Absolutely. While these medical interventions can be highly effective, they should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can assess your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Natural Remedies and Home Treatments for Nighttime Bronchitis Relief

While medical interventions are sometimes necessary, many individuals find relief from bronchitis symptoms through natural remedies and home treatments. These approaches can be particularly helpful for managing symptoms at night.

Effective Natural Remedies for Bronchitis

1. Honey and lemon tea
2. Ginger and turmeric infusions
3. Eucalyptus oil inhalation
4. Salt water gargling
5. Thyme tea

How do these natural remedies work? Many of these remedies have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe irritated airways and fight infection. For example, honey is known for its cough-suppressing effects, while ginger and turmeric have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Are there any precautions to consider when using natural remedies? While generally safe, some natural remedies may interact with medications or cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating new remedies into your treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Lifestyle Modifications for Better Sleep with Bronchitis

• Avoiding irritants like smoke and strong odors
• Keeping the bedroom clean and dust-free
• Using hypoallergenic bedding
• Practicing relaxation techniques before bed
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

How can these lifestyle changes improve sleep quality for bronchitis sufferers? By reducing exposure to irritants and creating a clean, calming sleep environment, these modifications can help minimize nighttime symptoms and promote more restful sleep. Additionally, relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which often exacerbate bronchitis symptoms.

The Role of Physical Activity in Managing Bronchitis Symptoms

While rest is crucial for recovery from bronchitis, incorporating appropriate physical activity into your routine can actually help manage symptoms and improve overall lung function. The key is to find the right balance and engage in gentle, low-impact exercises that don’t overexert the respiratory system.

Beneficial Exercises for Bronchitis Patients

• Gentle walking
• Stationary cycling
• Tai Chi
• Yoga (focusing on breathing exercises)
• Swimming (in warm water)

How does exercise help with bronchitis symptoms? Regular, moderate exercise can help strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. It can also help clear mucus from the airways, potentially reducing nighttime coughing episodes.

When is the best time to exercise with bronchitis? It’s generally advisable to engage in physical activity earlier in the day rather than close to bedtime. This allows your body time to cool down and relax before sleep. However, gentle stretching or relaxation exercises can be beneficial as part of your bedtime routine.

Breathing Exercises for Bronchitis Management

1. Diaphragmatic breathing
2. Pursed-lip breathing
3. Chest expansion exercises
4. Controlled coughing techniques

How often should these breathing exercises be performed? Aim to practice these exercises for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Consistency is key to improving lung function and managing bronchitis symptoms effectively.

Can breathing exercises help reduce nighttime symptoms? Yes, incorporating breathing exercises into your bedtime routine can help clear airways, reduce mucus buildup, and promote relaxation, potentially leading to more restful sleep.

Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Bronchitis Symptoms

Stress can significantly impact the severity and duration of bronchitis symptoms, particularly at night. The relationship between stress and respiratory health is complex, involving both physiological and psychological factors.

How Stress Affects Bronchitis

• Weakens the immune system
• Increases inflammation in the body
• Tightens chest muscles, making breathing more difficult
• Exacerbates coughing and wheezing
• Disrupts sleep patterns

What strategies can help manage stress and improve bronchitis symptoms? Implementing stress-reduction techniques can significantly impact both daytime and nighttime bronchitis symptoms. Consider incorporating the following practices into your daily routine:

1. Mindfulness meditation
2. Progressive muscle relaxation
3. Deep breathing exercises
4. Guided imagery
5. Journaling

How long does it take to see improvements in bronchitis symptoms through stress management? While some individuals may notice immediate benefits, it often takes consistent practice over several weeks to experience significant improvements in stress levels and related bronchitis symptoms.

Creating a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help reduce stress and prepare your body for restful sleep, potentially minimizing nighttime bronchitis symptoms. Consider the following elements for your routine:

• Dimming lights an hour before bed
• Engaging in light stretching or yoga
• Practicing gratitude or positive affirmations
• Reading a calming book
• Listening to soothing music or nature sounds

Is technology use before bed detrimental for bronchitis sufferers? The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. For individuals with bronchitis, this can potentially exacerbate nighttime symptoms by disrupting sleep patterns. Consider limiting screen time at least an hour before bed or using blue light filtering apps if device use is necessary.

How To Sleep Peacefully With Bronchitis

One of the most common respiratory conditions a person develops is bronchitis. This happens when the lining of the lungs’ bronchial tubes has become swollen or inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis: acute or chronic. In most cases acute bronchitis eventually clears up without requiring treatment. As for chronic bronchitis, this is more severe and harder to manage.

Some symptoms of bronchitis can be annoying during the day, such as coughing, wheezing, a sore throat, chest tenderness while coughing, and fatigue. These can also prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.

If you’re suffering from bronchitis, let’s take a look at the ways you can get a good night’s sleep despite your condition:

Stick To A Nutritious Diet

One way to help you get enough sleep is by maintaining a nutritious diet. The ideal diet should include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, poultry, lean meats, beans, fish, nuts, and eggs. Don’t forget to include low-fat dairy and fat-free products while limiting food items that contain saturated and trans-fat, salt, cholesterol, and added sugars.

The role of a healthy diet is to boost your immune system, which can aid the body in having a better chance to overcome bronchitis in no time.

Elevate Your Head

The coughing caused by bronchitis can disrupt your sleep at night. Sleeping flat on your side or back causes mucus to build up in your throat, which triggers a cough. The ideal way to prevent this is to raise the level of your head by using more pillows. Another option is to utilize a wedge that will raise both your head and neck. Just remember to avoid elevating excessively since this could result in neck pains.

Use A BiPAP Machine

Similar to other lung diseases, bronchitis causes breathing difficulties, particularly wheezing. A device that can ease breathing issues is a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine. It helps a person with bronchitis breathe with the delivery of pressurized air via a face mask. This device works by supplying varying air pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation, helping soothe the lungs and muscles of the chest wall.

A BiPAP machine is typically recommended for nighttime use since breathing is significantly impaired during this time, and it will allow the person to sleep peacefully. You can use the machine at home or in a hospital setting.

When using a BiPAP machine, position the mask over your nose or mouth. Make sure that the edges of the mask fit your face securely. The machine will deliver one pressure level while you inhale, and a lower pressure as you exhale.

Use Steam

Before heading to bed, go for a warm shower or bath. You can even consider steaming your face over a bowl or basin that contains warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. The steam produced by the warm water can help loosen up the mucus in your sinuses and chest. This can help clear your airways, lessening the symptoms of bronchitis as you sleep. With the help of steam, you have a higher chance of experiencing a good night’s rest.

Increase Your Intake Of Fluids

Since bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection, a person with this condition must drink more fluids, as this can help with the following:

• Loosening up and reducing the thickness of mucus
• Moistening the throat
• Lowering the risk for dehydration

Aside from water, you should consume soup, juice, and herbal tea. A cup of hot tea will also work wonders, providing the same effect as steam. Go for an herbal tea blend without caffeine. Variants that contain eucalyptus, chamomile, and other soothing herbs are good choices that can help you sleep well at night.

Use A Humidifier

A humidifier increases the level of moisture in a room by releasing steam or water vapor. When humidity is low, it’s likely to irritate the throat and nasal passages, thus aggravating the symptoms of bronchitis.

A humidifier releases heated and humidified air to loosen and promote better mucus drainage. When using a humidifier, make sure that it’s well-maintained. Moreover, always monitor the humidity levels. Once the device is not maintained or regularly cleaned, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria or mold as the leftover water gets contaminated and solidifies over time.

Soothe Your Sore Throat

If you can’t sleep well due to a sore throat caused by bronchitis, there are various ways you can soothe this condition. Let’s take a look at ways to soothe a sore throat so you can get a good night’s rest:

• Gargle saltwater
• Drink warm or cool fluids
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication
• Use over-the-counter lozenges and sprays

Get Rid Of Irritants

If you want to lessen the symptoms of bronchitis during nighttime, it’s vital to eliminate all potential irritants in your bedroom. In case you have pets, don’t allow them inside your bedroom since animal dander can aggravate these symptoms as well.

It’s also vital to avoid exposure to other irritants that can trigger bronchitis symptoms, such as air pollution, dust, and chemicals in household products. Additionally, avoid using any scented candles, perfumes, cleaning agents, or products that can irritate the respiratory system. Also make sure to regularly change the filters in the heating and air conditioning systems at home.

Take Pain Medications

Before using any pain medication, it’s best to first consult your doctor about your symptoms, especially if they disrupt your sleep at night. Some over-the-counter pain medications that can lessen your discomfort include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), aspirin, or naproxen (Aleve). Talk to your doctor about which pain medication is suited to you and your condition.

Quit Smoking

Similar to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, one of the main causes of chronic bronchitis is smoking. If you want to sleep peacefully at night, your best course of action would be to stop smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. This move can make a big difference in the overall quality of your life.

Smoking impairs the bronchial tubes and lowers the body’s defense system against potential infection. Exposure to smoke can stimulate coughing episodes if a person has bronchitis.

Quitting cold turkey or limiting the habit reduces potential damage to the bronchial tubes and promotes faster healing. A person who quits smoking early is less likely to end up with acute bronchitis in the future.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been diagnosed with bronchitis, getting enough sleep at night is vital to promote your recovery. Since the symptoms can be quite troublesome, especially if they disrupt your sleep, you can try out the tips above to reduce the symptoms so you can get have a restful night.

Bronchitis Worse at Night: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Do you find that your bronchitis symptoms get worse at night? You’re not alone. Many people with bronchitis experience more severe symptoms when they lie down to sleep. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of nighttime bronchitis, the symptoms to watch out for, and the treatment options available at Nao Medical.

What Causes Bronchitis to Worsen at Night?

There are several reasons why bronchitis symptoms may be worse at night:

• Postnasal drip: When you lie down, mucus from your nose and sinuses can drip down the back of your throat, irritating your bronchial tubes and making it harder to breathe.
• Lying down: When you’re lying down, your lungs have to work harder to move air in and out, which can exacerbate bronchitis symptoms.
• Changes in temperature and humidity: The air in your bedroom may be drier and cooler at night, which can irritate your airways and trigger coughing and wheezing.

What Are the Symptoms of Nighttime Bronchitis?

The symptoms of bronchitis that worsen at night are similar to those of daytime bronchitis, but they may be more severe. Common symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Fatigue
• Fever (in some cases)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Bronchitis can be a serious condition, especially if left untreated.

How Is Nighttime Bronchitis Treated?

The treatment for nighttime bronchitis depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. At Nao Medical, we offer a range of services to help you manage your bronchitis, including:

• Urgent care: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, our urgent care team can provide immediate relief.
• Primary care: Our primary care physicians can help you manage your bronchitis symptoms over the long term, providing ongoing care and support.
• Telehealth: If you’re unable to come into the clinic, we offer telehealth services that allow you to consult with a healthcare provider from the comfort of your own home.
• Multi-specialty care: If your bronchitis is related to another underlying condition, such as asthma or COPD, our multi-specialty team can provide comprehensive care to address all your healthcare needs.
• Mental health: Bronchitis can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing condition. Our mental health services can help you manage the emotional impact of your symptoms.
• Women’s health: Women may experience unique symptoms and complications related to bronchitis. Our women’s health team can provide specialized care to address these concerns.
• Nutrition services: Good nutrition is essential for overall health and can help support your immune system as you recover from bronchitis. Our nutrition services can help you develop a healthy eating plan that supports your recovery.

If you’re experiencing nighttime bronchitis symptoms, don’t suffer through another sleepless night. Book an appointment with Nao Medical today and get the relief you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes (the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) become inflamed and produce excess mucus. This can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

What causes bronchitis?

Bronchitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, exposure to irritants such as smoke or pollution, or underlying conditions such as asthma or COPD.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

Bronchitis is typically diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your healthcare provider may also order tests such as a chest X-ray or pulmonary function test to help diagnose your condition.

How is bronchitis treated?

The treatment for bronchitis depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Treatment may include rest, hydration, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or avoiding irritants.

Can bronchitis be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of developing bronchitis by practicing good hygiene (such as washing your hands frequently), avoiding exposure to irritants such as smoke and pollution, and getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia.

Key Takeaways

• Bronchitis symptoms can be worse at night due to postnasal drip, lying down, and changes in temperature and humidity.
• Common symptoms of nighttime bronchitis include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
• Treatment for nighttime bronchitis depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms and may include urgent care, primary care, telehealth, multi-specialty care, mental health services, women’s health services, and nutrition services.
• Prevent bronchitis by practicing good hygiene, avoiding irritants, and getting vaccinated.

External Links:

• https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pulmonology
• https://www. lung.org/

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered, construed or interpreted as legal or professional advice, guidance or opinion.

Chronic bronchitis – prices for the treatment of chronic bronchitis in a clinic in Moscow

Under the influence of tobacco smoke, harmful gases or particles, the epithelium of the bronchial mucosa is irritated. As a result, the cilia that cover the epithelium stop working and die. The accumulation of viscous sticky sputum begins, which, stagnation, leads to respiratory failure. But the number of cells designed to fight infection, on the contrary, is declining. Purulent contents appear in the sputum. As a result, the bronchial tissue is modified. From elastic, it turns into rough, ceases to expand and contract. Obstruction is growing – a progressive narrowing of the lumen in the bronchi.

Patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis complain of persistent paroxysmal cough with a large amount of purulent sputum and shortness of breath. The person is weak, irritable, unable to perform the usual physical work. His body temperature is elevated. On auscultation, hard breathing and buzzing wheezing are heard. If the prescription of chronic obstructive bronchitis exceeds 15-20 years, then due to the development of emphysema, the chest may resemble a barrel, weakened breathing, wheezing wheezing are auscultated. Sometimes even hemoptysis appears, the destructive processes in the bronchi, alas, can no longer be stopped. Well, as for the early stage, at this time, patients simply do not pay attention to their periodic coughing, attributing this to the consequences of smoking. Therefore, they do not rush to the doctor’s office.

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

If this is the initial stage, it is enough to use drugs that reduce inflammation in the bronchi: intal, sodium cromoglycate, tiled. With physical exertion that causes shortness of breath, you can use drugs that dilate the bronchi: salbutamol, atrovent, berodual. These are inhalers that you should always carry with you. And they are applied as follows: one at a time – two breaths if necessary.

If the course of the disease is more serious, you can not do without hormonal inhalers: beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, budesonide, triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide and fluticasone propionate.

They reduce inflammation in the bronchi. Teopec is often prescribed to dilate the bronchi. It is taken in tablets, ½ -1 tab. per day for 2-3 months.

In the most severe course of the disease, when a person literally suffocates, has a fever, and blood is observed in the sputum, we prescribe prednisolone. This is also a hormonal drug, very serious, so the regimen is prescribed by a doctor. In severe cases, long-term oxygen therapy, cardiac glycosides, a blood-thinning drug – warfarin, diuretics are used.

Antibiotics are indispensable in this case. There are many of them: sumamed, klacid, amoxiclav, augmentin, levofloxacin, also klaforan, cefobid, cefabol. There are tablets and injection forms. Doses and duration of administration are determined by the doctor, assessing the patient’s condition. And in order to more accurately determine the choice of drugs, sputum must be taken for sowing and be sure to conduct spirometry, which will identify the phase of the disease.

Drugs that thin mucus are called mucolytics. The most, as they say, “popular” are bromhexine, carbocysteine, ACC, fluifort, ascoril, ambroxol.

Softening of sputum is also facilitated by drinking plenty of water and inhalation. You can add 2-3 drops of fir oil to the potato broth. You can breathe over such a healing steam, covering yourself with a blanket, for 10-15 minutes no more than once a day.

But to bring the sputum out, you need expectorants. Mukaltin containing marshmallow root helps well. It should be taken 1-2 tablets 3-4 times a day. Folk remedies are also quite suitable.

For example, decoction of primrose root. For this, 2 tbsp. pour spoons of raw materials with a liter of water, boil a little, leave for an hour. Take 3 tbsp. spoons during meals 3 times a day.

An excellent expectorant is herbal infusions of lungwort officinalis, red clover, tricolor violet, coltsfoot, plantain. They are prepared simply according to the same recipe: 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of raw materials with a glass of boiling water, leave to cool completely for 30 minutes, strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals.

To facilitate the separation of sputum, it is useful to drink lingonberry juice with honey in a ratio of 1:1. You need to take it as often as possible for 1 tbsp. spoon.

When patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis come to see a doctor, they often ask: “Is it possible to make compresses, put cups or mustard plasters for therapeutic purposes?” Well, perhaps as a disappointing addition to the main treatment. After all, obstruction is an irreversible process. When the bronchial tissue is destroyed, only potent drugs will help bring the disease into remission.

To avoid exacerbation of the disease on cold winter days, it is recommended to get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus, avoid crowded places. The disease of catarrhal infectious diseases for patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis is highly undesirable. Well, if you still get sick, from the very first day, start taking antiviral drugs, for example, arbidol, as well as antibiotics. Delaying treatment in this case is extremely dangerous. Regardless of the time of year, you should definitely quit smoking. Unfortunately, this will no longer be able to get rid of a chronic disease, but it will improve the quality of life.

Our medical center provides the widest range of services. You can always contact us with questions about the therapist. For example, we are always ready to provide you with services for the treatment of acute bronchitis.

Bronchial asthma and COPD

COPD is a collective concept that unites a group of chronic diseases of the respiratory system: chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB), pulmonary emphysema (EP), severe bronchial asthma (BA).

COPD is also considered as a symptom complex with signs of terminal respiratory failure: FEV1 <1.5 l or 30% of the expected value, i.e. progression of the disease, leading to the loss of the reversible component of bronchial obstruction, cor pulmonale. The most common cause (about 90%) of COPD is COPD, about 1% is pulmonary emphysema (due to deficiency of α1-antitrypsin), about 10% is due to severe BA.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which involves mast cells, eosinophils and T-lymphocytes. In susceptible individuals, this inflammation leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night and/or early morning. These symptoms are usually accompanied by widespread but variable obstruction of the bronchial tree, which is at least partially reversible spontaneously or under the influence of treatment. Inflammation also causes a friendly increase in airway response to various stimuli (c) GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma).

Distribution of bronchial asthma.

1. More than 300 million people suffer from bronchial asthma.
2. The incidence of bronchial asthma in different countries ranges from 1% to 18% of the population (in Russia – 6.2%).
3. The maximum prevalence of bronchial asthma is observed in countries with a warm and damp climate, the minimum in the desert zone and in the Arctic.
4. Currently, there is an increase in the severity of the course of bronchial asthma.

Factors affecting the development and severity of asthma:

Mechanism of development of bronchial asthma:

1. Pathomorphology
   
   Inflammation of the respiratory tract
   
   Bronchial wall remodeling

2. Pathophysiology
   
   Airway narrowing
   
   Airway hyperresponsiveness

3. Special mechanisms
   
   Acute attack of disease
   
   Nocturnal asthma

Clinical picture.

The main symptoms of bronchial asthma are episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest congestion. Of significant importance are: the appearance of symptoms after contact with the allergen, the seasonal variability of symptoms, the presence of relatives with bronchial asthma or other atopic diseases.

The main groups of drugs used to treat asthma:

β2 – adrenomimetics ( short-acting – fenoterol, medium-acting – salbutamol, long-acting – salmeterol, formoterol).

Effects of : Relaxation of the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, suppression of the release of mediators from mast cells, increased mucociliary clearance, prevention of bronchospasm.

M-cholinolytics – Ipratropium bromide (atrovent).

Methylxanthines (short-acting – Theophylline, Eufillin, long-term – Teopak, Theophyllon).

Effects : bronchodilation, membrane stabilizing effect, improvement of bronchial patency, positive foreign-, chrono-, dromo- and batmotropic effects, excitation of the respiratory center, psycho-emotional arousal.