What is acute bronchitis and how does it differ from chronic bronchitis. What are the common symptoms of acute bronchitis. How is acute bronchitis diagnosed and treated. Can inhalers provide relief for bronchitis symptoms. What are the best ways to prevent and manage acute bronchitis at home.

Understanding Acute Bronchitis: Causes and Symptoms

Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs. This inflammation leads to swelling and mucus production, narrowing the airways and making breathing more difficult.

The primary cause of acute bronchitis is typically a viral infection, often the same viruses responsible for the common cold. In rarer cases, bacterial or fungal infections may be the culprit. Environmental factors such as exposure to irritants like smoke, dust, or fumes can also trigger acute bronchitis, especially in individuals with pre-existing lung damage.

Key Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

• Persistent cough (lasting several weeks)
• Chest congestion or tightness
• Production of clear, yellow, or green mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Sore throat
• Fever and chills
• Body aches

Is the duration of symptoms consistent for all cases of acute bronchitis? While most cases of acute bronchitis resolve within 7 to 10 days, the cough can persist for several weeks as the bronchial tubes heal. If symptoms last longer or worsen, it may indicate a more serious condition such as pneumonia or asthma.

Diagnosing Acute Bronchitis: What to Expect

Diagnosing acute bronchitis typically involves a physical examination and a review of symptoms by a healthcare professional. During the examination, the doctor will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope to detect any abnormal sounds such as wheezing or crackling.

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions or complications. These may include:

1. Chest X-ray: To exclude pneumonia or other lung conditions
2. Pulmonary function tests: To assess lung capacity and function
3. Sputum culture: To identify the presence of bacteria if a bacterial infection is suspected

Are blood tests necessary for diagnosing acute bronchitis? In most cases, blood tests are not required for diagnosing acute bronchitis. However, if the doctor suspects a more severe infection or underlying condition, they may order blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or infection.

The Role of Inhalers in Treating Acute Bronchitis

Inhalers can indeed play a significant role in managing the symptoms of acute bronchitis, particularly for individuals experiencing wheezing or difficulty breathing. These devices deliver medication directly to the airways, providing faster relief and minimizing systemic side effects compared to oral medications.

Types of Inhalers Used for Bronchitis

• Bronchodilators: These inhalers contain medications like albuterol that help relax and open the airways, making breathing easier.
• Corticosteroids: Inhaled corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes, alleviating symptoms in some cases.
• Combination inhalers: These contain both bronchodilators and corticosteroids for comprehensive symptom relief.

How quickly do inhalers work for bronchitis symptoms? Bronchodilator inhalers typically provide relief within minutes, while the effects of corticosteroid inhalers may take several days to become noticeable. It’s important to use inhalers as prescribed by a healthcare provider for optimal results.

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Acute Bronchitis

While inhalers can be beneficial, the treatment of acute bronchitis often involves a multi-faceted approach tailored to the individual’s symptoms and overall health. The primary goal is to manage symptoms and support the body’s natural healing process.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Modifications

• Adequate rest to support the immune system
• Increased fluid intake to thin mucus and stay hydrated
• Use of a humidifier to moisten the air and ease breathing
• Avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong fumes
• Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage fever and discomfort

Medications and Medical Interventions

In addition to inhalers, other medications may be recommended:

• Expectorants: To help loosen and expel mucus
• Cough suppressants: For managing severe, unproductive coughs
• Antibiotics: Only prescribed if a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected

When should antibiotics be considered for acute bronchitis? Antibiotics are generally not recommended for acute bronchitis as it is typically caused by viruses. However, if symptoms persist beyond 10-14 days or if a bacterial infection is confirmed through testing, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Preventing Acute Bronchitis: Proactive Measures

Prevention is key in reducing the risk of acute bronchitis. By adopting certain lifestyle habits and taking precautionary measures, individuals can significantly lower their chances of developing this condition.

Key Preventive Strategies

1. Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of viruses
2. Avoid close contact with individuals who have respiratory infections
3. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
4. Get annual flu vaccinations
5. Consider pneumococcal vaccinations, especially for those over 60 or with chronic conditions
6. Use protective masks when exposed to irritants or pollutants
7. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to boost immune function

Can lifestyle changes significantly reduce the risk of recurrent bronchitis? Yes, adopting a healthier lifestyle, particularly quitting smoking and reducing exposure to environmental irritants, can substantially lower the risk of recurrent bronchitis and improve overall respiratory health.

Managing Persistent Cough: Strategies for Relief

A persistent cough is often the most bothersome symptom of acute bronchitis, sometimes lasting for weeks after other symptoms have resolved. Managing this lingering cough can significantly improve quality of life during recovery.

Effective Cough Management Techniques

• Stay hydrated to thin mucus and ease coughing
• Use honey or lozenges to soothe throat irritation
• Elevate the head while sleeping to reduce nighttime coughing
• Try controlled coughing techniques to clear mucus effectively
• Consider over-the-counter cough suppressants for severe, unproductive coughs

When should a persistent cough be a cause for concern? If a cough lasts longer than 3-4 weeks, produces blood, or is accompanied by severe breathlessness, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as it may indicate a more serious condition.

Complications and When to Seek Medical Help

While acute bronchitis is typically a self-limiting condition, in some cases, it can lead to complications or indicate a more serious underlying problem. Being aware of potential red flags can help individuals seek timely medical intervention.

Potential Complications of Acute Bronchitis

• Pneumonia
• Chronic bronchitis
• Asthma exacerbation
• Respiratory failure (in severe cases)

Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention

1. Fever lasting more than 3 days or exceeding 101°F (38.3°C)
2. Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
3. Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
4. Symptoms persisting beyond 3 weeks
5. Recurrent bronchitis episodes

How can one differentiate between acute bronchitis and more serious respiratory conditions? While symptoms can overlap, persistent high fever, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood are not typical of acute bronchitis and may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Long-term Management and Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals prone to recurrent bronchitis or those recovering from a severe episode, implementing long-term lifestyle changes can significantly improve respiratory health and reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

Sustainable Health Practices

• Regular exercise to improve lung capacity and overall health
• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques to support immune function
• Ensuring adequate sleep and rest
• Avoiding environmental triggers and irritants

Ongoing Medical Management

For some individuals, particularly those with underlying respiratory conditions, ongoing medical management may be necessary:

1. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider
2. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
3. Maintenance medications for chronic respiratory conditions
4. Allergy management to reduce respiratory irritation

Can dietary changes impact the frequency of bronchitis episodes? Yes, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and boost immune function, potentially lowering the risk of respiratory infections including bronchitis.

In conclusion, while acute bronchitis can be a challenging and uncomfortable condition, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options empowers individuals to manage it effectively. Inhalers can indeed play a crucial role in symptom relief, particularly for those experiencing wheezing or shortness of breath. However, a comprehensive approach including lifestyle modifications, preventive measures, and appropriate medical interventions when necessary provides the best outcomes for both immediate relief and long-term respiratory health.

Acute Bronchitis – Persistent Cough

Related Topics

What is acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These are the airways that carry air into your lungs. When these tubes get infected, they swell. Mucus (thick fluid) forms inside them. This narrows the airways, making it harder for you to breathe.

There are 2 types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is long-lasting and can reoccur. It usually is caused by constant irritation, such as from smoking. Acute bronchitis lasts only a short time. Most cases get better in several days, though the cough can last for several weeks.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis

The symptoms of acute bronchitis can include:

• Chest congestion or tightness
• Cough that brings up clear, yellow, or green mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches

Your cough can last for several weeks or more. This happens because the bronchial tubes take a while to heal. A lasting cough may signal another problem, such as asthma or pneumonia.

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a contagious virus. The same viruses that cause colds can cause acute bronchitis. First, the virus affects your nose, sinuses, and throat. Then the infection travels to the lining of the bronchial tubes. As your body fights the virus, swelling occurs and mucus is produced.

You can catch a virus from breathing it in or by skin contact. You are at higher risk of catching the virus if you have close contact with someone who has a cold or acute bronchitis.

Lesser-known causes of acute bronchitis are:

• Bacteria or fungal infections.
• Exposure to irritants, such as smoke, dust, or fumes. You are at greater risk if your bronchial tubes already have damage.
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which causes heartburn. You can get acute bronchitis when stomach acid gets into the bronchial tubes.

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Your doctor can confirm acute bronchitis. He or she will do a physical exam and review your symptoms. He or she will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Your doctor might order a chest X-ray to look at your lungs. This will help rule out pneumonia.

Can acute bronchitis be prevented or avoided?

You can help prevent acute bronchitis by staying healthy and avoiding germs. Wash your hands with soap often to kill any contagious viruses.

If you smoke, the best defense against acute bronchitis is to quit. Smoking damages your bronchial tubes and puts you at risk for infection. Smoking also slows down the healing process.

Other steps you can take to avoid acute bronchitis include:

• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when using lung irritants. These could include paint, paint remover, or varnish.
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Ask your doctor if you should get a pneumonia shot, especially if you are over age 60.

Acute bronchitis treatment

Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by a virus. This means that antibiotics won’t help. The infection needs to run its course. It almost always goes away on its own. Home treatment focuses on easing the symptoms:

• Drink fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and lower your fever. These could include acetaminophen (1 brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (1 brand name: Advil). Never give aspirin to a child. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, which can affect the liver and brain.
• Increase the humidity in your home or use a humidifier.

There are some over-the-counter cough medicines that help break up or loosen mucus. Look for the word “guaifenesin” on the label or ask your pharmacist for a suggestion.

Do not hold in a cough that brings up mucus. This type of cough helps clear mucus from your bronchial tubes. If you smoke, you should quit. It will help your bronchial tubes heal faster.

Some people who have acute bronchitis need inhaled medicine. You might need this if you are wheezing. It can help open your bronchial tubes and clear out mucus. You usually take it with an inhaler. An inhaler sprays medicine right into your bronchial tubes. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for you.

If your doctor thinks bacteria have caused your acute bronchitis, he or she may give you antibiotics.

Living with acute bronchitis

Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. You should call your doctor if:

• You continue to wheeze and cough for more than 2 weeks, especially at night when you lie down or when you are active.
• You continue to cough for more than 2 weeks and have a bad-tasting fluid come up into your mouth. This may mean you have GERD. This is a condition in which stomach acid gets into your esophagus.
• Your cough produces blood, you feel weak, you have an ongoing high fever, and you are short of breath. These symptoms may mean you have pneumonia.

The risk of developing complications from acute bronchitis, such as pneumonia, is greater in some people. These include:

• Young children
• The elderly
• People who have asthma
• People who have other health issues (such as cancer or diabetes)
• People who haven’t gotten vaccines for flu, pneumonia, or whooping cough

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is causing my acute bronchitis?
• Are there over-the-counter medicines or prescriptions that can help relieve my symptoms?
• Am I contagious?
• Am I at risk for getting pneumonia or other lung infections?
• What should I do if my cough doesn’t respond to treatment or gets worse?

Resources

American Lung Association: Acute Bronchitis

Types of Inhalers and Nebulizers

Just when you think you’ve gotten over that respiratory infection, bronchitis hits. The coughing, chest soreness, and fatigue can really get you down.

While acute bronchitis will usually go away without prescription treatments, chronic or an especially nasty case of acute bronchitis may require some extra help.

We explain inhaled treatments for bronchitis, including nebulizer and inhaler treatments, and how they may help.

Inhalers are medications that are delivered through the mouth and to the lungs.

Usually this is a device with a short mouthpiece that connects to a small canister you press down on. When you press down and inhale, the medication enters your mouth and goes down into your lungs.

A doctor may prescribe a few different types of inhaler medications for bronchitis. These include the following:

Beta-2 agonists

Some of the most common inhaler medications are short-acting beta-2 agonists. These include medications like albuterol and salbutamol.

Doctors prescribe beta-2 agonists to treat:

• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• severe coughing that can come with acute bronchitis

These medications work by relaxing airway passages in the lungs, which can make it easier to breathe.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews analyzed the results of five different studies of beta-2 agonists as a treatment for acute bronchitis in adults.

They concluded that there’s little evidence to support the use of beta-2 agonists in adults with acute bronchitis.

However, they did find that inhalers helped people who tended to wheeze frequently, even when they weren’t sick.

Inhaled corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids help to reduce airway inflammation. This can be helpful when you have bronchitis, because it’s usually after an upper respiratory infection and your lungs are already very irritated.

These medications won’t relieve a wheezing attack immediately, but they can help to reduce:

• airway swelling
• excess mucus
• tight airways

Examples of inhaled corticosteroids doctors prescribe include:

• beclomethasone
• budesonide
• fluticasone

Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs)

These medications are similar to short-acting beta-2 agonists like albuterol. They aren’t meant for acute attacks of wheezing, but rather reduce the risk of wheezing all day.

Examples of LABAs include arformoterol tartrate (Brovana) and formoterol fumarate (Oxeze, Foradil).

Doctors usually prescribe these with inhaled corticosteroids.

Nebulizer treatments are another form of inhaled medications. Instead of a short mouthpiece, nebulizer treatments usually have a longer mouthpiece and an air compressor that helps convert the medication to a fine mist.

Doctors often prescribe nebulizers to children who may have a harder time using an inhaler properly.

Instead of having to time the pumps to breathe medication in, a person just takes deep breaths in and out to take in the medication.

Nebulizers are also useful for people who may require larger amounts of inhaled medications, such as those for:

• acute asthma attacks
• pneumonia
• COPD

A doctor would usually prescribe nebulized medications to treat acute bronchitis in children or for chronic bronchitis in adults.

Examples of nebulized medications include:

• Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs). These medications are usually the same as those available for inhalers.
• Long-acting muscarinic agents (LAMAs). These medications work on different receptors in the lungs than beta-agonists to help open up the airways so you can breathe better. Examples of these medicines include umeclinium (Ellipta) and tiotropium (HandiHaler, Respimat).
• Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs). Like with traditional inhalers, a person can use albuterol in a nebulizer. These are mostly for acute attacks in bronchitis, such as wheezing.
• Short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs). These are medications like ipratropium bromide (Atrovent). Doctors prescribe them to treat chronic bronchitis and COPD.

Many of these medications are available in combination, such as SABA-SAMA or LABA-LAMA.

Nebulized medications may not be as good a fit for adults without COPD, because nebulizers require special equipment and teaching to use.

Ideally, a person with acute bronchitis wouldn’t need this type of equipment.

In addition to nebulizers and inhalers, some people may inhale warm, humidified air (steam) at home to improve their breathing.

Sometimes cold air can irritate the lungs and worsen coughing when you have bronchitis. Warm, moist air may help you feel better and reduce coughing.

Here are some ways you can incorporate steam or mist therapy into your bronchitis treatments:

• inhale steam from a bowl of boiling water, while hovering at least 8 to 12 inches away with a towel over your head to hold the steam in
• take a hot shower
• use a humidifier in your room, but be sure to carefully clean it after use

Many drugstores also sell plugin steam inhalers.

The side effects from inhalers and nebulizer treatments depend upon the type used. Examples of side effects include the following:

• Beta-2 agonists may cause tremors, nervousness, and shakiness.
• Corticosteroids can causesore mouth, cough, hoarse voice, or nosebleeds. Oral thrush can develop if a person doesn’t rinse their mouth out after use.
• LABAs can cause heart palpitations and tremors.
• LAMAs may cause constipation, dry mouth, and urinary retention.

If you experience any of these when you use an inhaler or nebulizer, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize these side effects. You can also find out if other medications are available.

They may suggest using a spacer device, which maximizes the delivery of the medication to the lungs. This minimizes the settling of medication to the back of the throat, which can lead to side effects.

With treatment and rest, you’ll ideally recover within about 1 to 2 weeks. It may take a bit longer for some people.

If your symptoms, especially your cough, persist beyond 3 weeks, consider scheduling another appointment with your doctor.

A doctor can evaluate you for other potential coughing causes, such as:

• asthma
• sinusitis
• COPD
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• heart failure
• pulmonary embolism

According to StatPearls, doctors may misdiagnose as many as one-third of patients with bronchitis when the patients actually have asthma.

You should talk with a doctor if you have a cough that persists after an upper respiratory infection, and it keeps you from completing everyday activities or starts to make your chest hurt.

If you have a fever that accompanies your symptoms, your infection may be bacterial. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics that can help bronchitis go away.

If your cough persists after 3 weeks, you may need to make another appointment with your doctor. Bronchitis will usually subside by this time, so you could have another medical condition.

Sometimes, bronchitis can lead to pneumonia. This is a severe lung infection.

Seek emergency medical treatment if you have worsening symptoms like:

• shortness of breath
• blue-tinted lips or fingernails
• confusion

Doctors usually treat bronchitis by treating its symptoms.

If your symptoms include wheezing and coughing, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler or nebulizer. These may help you manage your symptoms until you start feeling better.

Treatment of bronchitis: symptoms, drugs, inhalations

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Bronchitis is an infectious inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, most often associated with a viral infection.

Treatment of bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi is manifested primarily by a hacking dry or wet cough, combined with shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sometimes wheezing. This condition greatly reduces the quality of life. In addition, bronchitis can be complicated by a bacterial infection, which leads to the development of a dangerous complication – pneumonia. To prevent this, you need to start treatment on time ^[1] . What means are used for this purpose? And how to choose an inhaler for inhalation therapy?

Bronchitis: non-pharmacological methods of treatment

Bronchus is an airway through which the air flow is carried to the respiratory departments. In healthy people, the bronchial mucosa produces bronchial secretions. With inflammation of the respiratory mucosa, the volume of bronchial mucus increases much, it becomes thicker, which disrupts its excretion. One of the main goals of treatment is to facilitate the removal of excess sputum from the respiratory tract. “Home”, non-drug methods of treatment help to achieve this ^[1] .

Drinking plenty of fluids

Helps relieve coughs, sore throats that can accompany bronchial inflammation, and helps to eliminate toxins and restore fluid loss. With bronchitis, you need a sufficient amount of drinks – from 2 liters. An adult can drink up to 4 liters of fluid per day ^[1,2] .

To compensate for fluid loss, it is recommended to drink water, juices, herbal tea. In the cool season, a warm drink is good: tea with raspberries, honey, lime blossom, warmed alkaline mineral water ^[1,2] .

Diet

Since bronchitis often causes inflammation of the throat, it is important to follow a sparing diet. Food should not irritate the throat, so it is recommended to give preference to non-spicy, non-salted, non-hot dishes ^[1] .

Humidification

Dry air can irritate the cough receptors in the airways and provoke coughing fits. In addition, with insufficient moisture, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract can dry out, and the viscosity of the bronchial secretion can increase, while the tasks of treating bronchitis are moisturizing the mucous membrane and thinning the sputum ^[1] .

To achieve them and relieve coughing, it is important to provide optimal conditions by controlling the humidity of the air. To do this, you can use room humidifiers or even just hang wet towels in the room. It is especially important to humidify the air during the cold season, when houses and apartments are heated ^[1] .

Bronchitis and lifestyle

Bronchitis may require lifestyle changes. An adult should stop smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes. To speed up recovery, when health permits, it is recommended to walk in the fresh air – such walks help to improve coughing, normalize sleep and alleviate the general condition. Both an adult and a child should dress according to the weather – so that it is neither cold nor hot ^[1] .

It is important to understand that non-pharmacological, folk remedies for bronchitis, despite their certain effectiveness, are usually not enough to speed up recovery and prevent complications. Therefore, with inflammation of the bronchi, the doctor prescribes drugs, more often in combination.

Comprehensive treatment helps to influence different stages of the disease process and achieve a good result, including with severe cough ^[1] . Consider what drugs can be prescribed for the treatment of acute bronchitis.

Antibacterial agents

The most common causative agents of acute inflammation of the bronchi are viruses, against which antibiotics are powerless. The so-called bacterial bronchitis is rather an exception to the rule. Bacterial infection causes disease only occasionally, usually in people with serious illnesses ^[1] .

A doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment for bronchitis when there are convincing symptoms that suggest a bacterial infection, such as ^[1] :

• prolonged fever – more than 5 days;
• severe cough with profuse purulent sputum;
• increased heart rate – more than 100 beats per minute;
• an alarming symptom – shortness of breath and some others.

Antibiotics are more commonly prescribed for bronchitis in older adults because their immune defenses are usually weakened, which increases the risk of bacterial complications.

Bronchitis: cough treatment

To help clear excess mucus and relieve coughing, your doctor may prescribe a number of drugs with different mechanisms of action.

Treatment with expectorants improves the excretion of very viscous, thick sputum. Expectorants increase the activity of the mucous glands located in the bronchi, thereby increasing the production of bronchial mucus and reducing its viscosity ^[3] . In addition, expectorants can increase the cough reflex itself.

Medications called mucolytics (or secretolitics) relieve cough, thin sputum without significantly changing its amount ^[3] .

Sometimes a doctor may prescribe cough medicine for an adult or child. The need for them may arise when the cough with bronchitis is dry, painful. Antitussives do not affect the production of sputum and its discharge. They block the cough center or receptors located in the airways, stopping the reflex itself ^[4] .

Antitussive drugs should not be taken with dry or wet cough in combination with expectorants: in such a situation, the volume of sputum increases, and its excretion completely stops. The accumulation of mucus in the airways can contribute to the development of a bacterial infection and pneumonia. To avoid complications, it is important not to take cough medicines without a doctor’s prescription ^[5] .

Bronchodilator for cough

Sometimes, to treat bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe drugs that relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi and widen their lumen, called bronchodilators. They help make breathing easier (for example, if shortness of breath or bronchospasm occurs), improve sputum production, reduce coughing, and speed up recovery. It has been proven that when taking bronchodilators, the duration of a strong cough decreases. But this does not mean that these funds are necessary for all patients with bronchitis ^[1] .

Bronchial smooth muscle relaxants are recommended primarily for severe, painful, wet coughs. Drugs in this group can only be prescribed by a doctor – they are all dispensed only by prescription ^[1] .

Inhalation with a nebulizer for bronchitis

One of the effective ways to treat inflammation of the airways and bronchi is inhalation treatment. For inhalation when coughing, drugs of different groups can be used: expectorants, mucolytics, bronchodilators, sodium chloride solutions.

In order to deliver drugs to the site of inflammation, that is, to the respiratory tract, you need an inhaler that helps convert the drug into fine dust. This task is handled by a nebulizer. It generates and atomizes the smallest aerosol particles by compressing air or oxygen. Since these particles have a small diameter (on average 5 µm), they easily penetrate into all sections of the bronchial tree, reaching the foci of inflammation ^[3] .

The inhalation route is considered to be one of the best ways to administer drugs to the respiratory tract. The nebulizer ensures the rapid flow of the drug to the destination area, where the pathogenic process has arisen – into the bronchial tree. This helps to increase the rate of onset of the therapeutic effect and the activity of the drug. At the same time, the drug does not penetrate the digestive tract, thereby reducing the risk of side effects ^[3] .

One of the advantages of inhaled cough treatment with modern nebulizers is the ease of use. Inhalation can be conveniently done at home, including adults, children, and even infants ^[3] .

How is cough in chronic bronchitis treated?

Sometimes the inflammatory process of the bronchi takes a long time, chronically. Usually inflammation is accompanied by a wet cough. Several times a year, with chronic bronchitis, exacerbations (acute bronchitis) can develop, in which the condition worsens sharply. Sometimes chronic bronchitis begins in childhood and lasts until adulthood ^[5] .

Treatment of chronic bronchitis is a complex task that only a doctor can solve. Therapy regimen can be complex, combined and include antibiotics, bronchodilators, nebulizers, cough medicines and other drugs ^[5] . Therefore, when coughing and other symptoms of bronchitis appear, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

List of sources:

1. Sinopalnikov A. I. Acute bronchitis in adults // Practical pulmonology, 2005. No. 3.

2. Federal clinical guidelines for the provision of medical care to children with acute respiratory viral infection (acute nasopharyngitis), 2013

3. Blokhin B. M. et al. 3.

4. Volkov AV Antitussive, mucolytic and expectorant drugs. What to choose? //RMJ, 2008. T. 16. No. 4. S. 239-241.

5. Smirnova M. O., Sorokina E. V. Bronchitis in children: principles of modern therapy // Difficult patient, 2009. T. 7. No. 8-9.

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Is it possible to inhale with a wet cough? – article on the website Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

Cough is manifested in various diseases of the respiratory organs. During it, sputum comes out, formations from the bronchi, this is a reflex protective reaction. And many are often interested in whether it is possible to do inhalations with a wet cough, what effect they have. They help to quickly remove the entire infection, accelerate the process of recovery of the body. Thanks to them, the negative impact of the infection is reduced, the development of complications and an acute process is prevented.

Can coughs be treated with inhalation?

Many doctors indicate that with a wet cough, inhalations can be done, the main thing is to follow the instructions and dosage of the drugs. This is a physiotherapy procedure, it is used to alleviate the condition.

During it, air or steam is inhaled, which is combined with medicines and chemical elements. For this, a nebulizer or other devices are used. Means with expectorant action cause increased sputum excretion.

What to do?

What inhalations can be done with a wet cough? The most effective include:

• Oil. To carry out this method, a scarf or cotton cloth is required. A little essential oil is applied, applied to the nose, a deep breath is taken;

• Wet. They are performed using saline solutions, antibiotics are added to it. When carrying out, a nebulizer is used, the solution is sprayed into the respiratory tract;

• Air.