What are the most effective types of inhalers and nebulizers for treating bronchitis. How do different medications work to alleviate symptoms. Which devices are best suited for adults versus children with acute or chronic bronchitis.

Understanding Bronchitis and Its Impact on Respiratory Health

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. It occurs when the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs, become inflamed. This inflammation leads to a variety of symptoms, including persistent coughing, chest discomfort, and fatigue. While acute bronchitis typically resolves on its own, chronic cases or particularly severe acute episodes may require medical intervention.

The primary distinction between acute and chronic bronchitis lies in their duration and underlying causes. Acute bronchitis is often triggered by viral infections and typically lasts for a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition that falls under the umbrella of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and is often associated with long-term exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke.

Key Symptoms of Bronchitis

• Persistent cough, often with mucus production
• Chest tightness or soreness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever (in some cases)

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. When bronchitis symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional who may recommend inhaled treatments to manage the condition effectively.

Inhalers: Portable Medication Delivery for Bronchitis Relief

Inhalers are compact devices designed to deliver medication directly to the lungs. They consist of a short mouthpiece connected to a small canister containing the medication. When activated and inhaled, the medication is released and travels through the airways to provide relief.

There are several types of inhaler medications prescribed for bronchitis, each targeting different aspects of the condition:

Beta-2 Agonists: Quick Relief for Breathing Difficulties

Beta-2 agonists, such as albuterol and salbutamol, are among the most commonly prescribed inhaler medications. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier. These medications are particularly effective for:

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Severe coughing associated with acute bronchitis

While beta-2 agonists provide quick relief, their effectiveness in treating acute bronchitis in adults has been questioned. A review by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found limited evidence supporting their use in this context. However, they noted that inhalers might benefit individuals who frequently experience wheezing, even when not ill.

Inhaled Corticosteroids: Reducing Airway Inflammation

Inhaled corticosteroids play a crucial role in managing bronchitis by reducing airway inflammation. This anti-inflammatory action can be particularly beneficial following an upper respiratory infection when the lungs are already irritated. While they don’t provide immediate relief during a wheezing attack, inhaled corticosteroids help to:

• Decrease airway swelling
• Reduce excess mucus production
• Alleviate tight airways

Common examples of inhaled corticosteroids include beclomethasone, budesonide, and fluticasone. These medications are often prescribed for long-term management of chronic bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABAs): Extended Symptom Control

Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) provide extended relief from bronchitis symptoms. Unlike their short-acting counterparts, LABAs are not intended for immediate relief of acute wheezing episodes. Instead, they offer prolonged symptom control throughout the day. Examples of LABAs include:

• Arformoterol tartrate (Brovana)
• Formoterol fumarate (Oxeze, Foradil)

Healthcare providers often prescribe LABAs in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for optimal management of chronic bronchitis and related respiratory conditions.

Nebulizers: Mist-Based Medication Delivery for Enhanced Efficacy

Nebulizer treatments offer an alternative method of delivering inhaled medications. Unlike traditional inhalers, nebulizers use an air compressor to convert liquid medication into a fine mist, which is then inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. This delivery method offers several advantages, particularly for certain patient groups:

Benefits of Nebulizer Treatments

• Easier administration for children who may struggle with proper inhaler technique
• Suitable for delivering larger doses of medication
• Effective for treating acute asthma attacks, pneumonia, and COPD exacerbations
• Ideal for individuals who have difficulty coordinating their breathing with inhaler use

Nebulizers are particularly useful in treating acute bronchitis in children and managing chronic bronchitis in adults. The types of medications administered via nebulizers are often similar to those used in inhalers, but with some additional options:

Nebulized Medications for Bronchitis Management

1. Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs)
2. Long-acting muscarinic agents (LAMAs)
3. Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)
4. Short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs)

Many of these medications are available in combination formulations, such as SABA-SAMA or LABA-LAMA, to provide comprehensive symptom relief. However, it’s important to note that nebulizer treatments may not be ideal for all adults with acute bronchitis, as they require specific equipment and training to use effectively.

Comparing Inhalers and Nebulizers: Choosing the Right Option

When deciding between inhalers and nebulizers for bronchitis treatment, several factors come into play. Each delivery method has its own set of advantages and considerations:

Inhalers: Portability and Convenience

• Compact and easily portable
• Quick to use, ideal for on-the-go relief
• Require less setup and maintenance
• May be more cost-effective in the long run

Nebulizers: Thorough Medication Delivery

• Can deliver larger doses of medication
• Easier to use for those with limited dexterity or breathing coordination
• Ideal for young children or elderly patients
• More effective in delivering medication during severe bronchitis episodes

The choice between an inhaler and a nebulizer often depends on the patient’s age, severity of symptoms, and personal preferences. Healthcare providers consider these factors when prescribing the most appropriate delivery method for each individual case of bronchitis.

Alternative Therapies: Steam Inhalation for Bronchitis Relief

In addition to pharmacological treatments delivered through inhalers and nebulizers, some individuals find relief from bronchitis symptoms through steam inhalation. This home remedy involves inhaling warm, humidified air, which can help soothe irritated airways and reduce coughing.

Methods of Steam Inhalation

• Inhaling steam from a bowl of boiling water (maintaining a safe distance of 8 to 12 inches)
• Taking a hot shower
• Using a humidifier in the bedroom

While steam inhalation can provide temporary relief, it’s important to note that it should not replace prescribed medications for bronchitis. Additionally, when using a humidifier, proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which could exacerbate respiratory issues.

Optimizing Bronchitis Treatment: Combination Therapies and Personalized Approaches

Effective management of bronchitis often involves a multi-faceted approach, combining different types of medications and delivery methods. Healthcare providers may prescribe a combination of inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators to address both inflammation and airway constriction simultaneously.

Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs

The optimal treatment plan for bronchitis varies from person to person, taking into account factors such as:

• Age and overall health status
• Severity and frequency of symptoms
• Presence of underlying conditions (e.g., asthma or COPD)
• Individual response to different medications

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are essential to assess the effectiveness of the chosen treatment regimen and make necessary adjustments. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective care for their specific case of bronchitis.

Emerging Trends in Bronchitis Treatment: Advanced Inhaler Technologies

As medical research progresses, new inhaler technologies are being developed to improve medication delivery and patient adherence. Some of these innovations include:

Smart Inhalers

Smart inhalers are equipped with sensors that track medication usage and can remind patients when it’s time for their next dose. These devices can also provide valuable data to healthcare providers, allowing for more accurate monitoring of treatment adherence and effectiveness.

Breath-Actuated Inhalers

These inhalers release medication in response to the patient’s inhalation, reducing the need for precise hand-breath coordination. This technology can be particularly beneficial for children, elderly patients, or those with limited dexterity.

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

DPIs deliver medication in powder form, eliminating the need for propellants. They are often easier to use than traditional metered-dose inhalers and may be more environmentally friendly.

These advancements in inhaler technology aim to improve the efficacy of bronchitis treatment by enhancing medication delivery and promoting better adherence to prescribed regimens.

The Role of Patient Education in Successful Bronchitis Management

Effective treatment of bronchitis extends beyond medication administration. Patient education plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal outcomes. Key aspects of patient education include:

Proper Inhaler Technique

Healthcare providers should demonstrate the correct use of inhalers and nebulizers, ensuring that patients can effectively administer their medications. Regular technique checks during follow-up appointments can help identify and correct any issues.

Understanding Medication Purpose and Side Effects

Patients should be informed about the purpose of each prescribed medication, potential side effects, and how to manage them. This knowledge empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment and report any concerns to their healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Modifications

Educating patients about lifestyle factors that can impact bronchitis management is essential. This may include:

• Smoking cessation counseling
• Strategies for avoiding environmental irritants
• The importance of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
• Proper nutrition to support respiratory health

By providing comprehensive education, healthcare providers can empower patients to take an active role in managing their bronchitis, leading to improved symptom control and quality of life.

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.

Things To Know About Using a Nebulizer for Bronchitis

Akanksha Nigam
Article published Jan 10, 2023
Article updated Jun 26, 2023

Having a cough can be very painful. The constant coughing and the struggle to clear mucous from the lungs can be exhausting. One of the common causes of cough is bronchitis, an inflammation in the lining of the bronchi or the tubes that carry air to the lungs. People suffering from bronchitis often cough up thicker, discolored mucus.

Bronchitis is a symptom of COPD and can be acute or chronic. 

The underlying cause of acute bronchitis could be a cold or flu. Viral or bacterial infections settle in the lungs and develop into bronchitis.

The initial symptoms of acute bronchitis are sore throat and congestion, with the eventual development of a dry cough which can happen to adults and children. Other symptoms, like mild headache or body aches, fever, and chest discomfort, usually disappear within 3 to 10 days, but a cough can last for a long time.

If you have repeated episodes of bronchitis, it may be chronic bronchitis. This happens when exposed to environmental toxins like dust, pollen, and other contaminants and is very common in smokers. Chronic bronchitis can be treated using nebulizers, but there is no cure for it.

How do Nebulizers Treat Bronchitis? 

Over-the-counter medicines and other home remedies for allergies may not be enough to treat bronchitis, and your doctor might prescribe an inhalable medication.

These medicines relax and widen the bronchi muscles, drain mucus from the lungs, reduce tightness in the chest, and increase airflow. Generally, inhalers are used to take these medicines. However, an inhaler requires strong, coordinated breaths and therefore may not be good for some.

A nebulizer is a small machine that converts liquid medicine into smaller mist particles that are easy to breathe and is an easier alternative to inhaler spacer  It delivers medicine directly into the lungs via pressurized air. You sit with the nebulizer machine and use a mouthpiece or a mask (nebulizer supplies) to breathe the medicine deep into your lungs. The treatment usually takes just a few minutes and can be done 3 to 4 times daily.

A nebulizer comes equipped with a mask, medicine cup, mouthpiece, tubing, and compressor. It is considered very easy to use, requiring minimum cognitive abilities and no manual dexterity, and can be used at home. 

Nebulizer therapy is necessary when a patient is not breathing fully and deeply since it does not require forceful inhalation.

Where to buy Nebulizers?

HPFY carries a wide range of nebulizers and compressors for respiratory treatments. Some of our best sellers are:

1. Philips Respironics InnoSpire Essence Nebulizer System

FSA Approved

An economical and effective choice for treating respiratory problems. It provides consistent aerosol medication delivery quickly and offers long-lasting relief. The SideStream nebulizer with Active Venturi System gives additional airflow for faster drug delivery.

Features of Philips Respironics InnoSpire Essence Nebulizer System

• Sleek and attractive design
• Easy-to-attach tubing for arthritic patients
• Quick and fast treatment
• Lightweight and FSA approved

2. Pari Trek S Portable Compressor Nebulizer Aerosol System

FSA Approved

Get fast and effective treatments on the go! It delivers fast and efficient aerosol treatments anytime and anywhere. It has a Pari LC Sprint Reusable Nebulizer for consistent particle size for optimal medication delivery and ensures minimum wastage.

Features of Pari Trek S Portable Compressor Nebulizer Aerosol System

• Battery lasts for up to 8 treatments
• Extremely quiet piston pump compressor
• Carrying case included
• Portable, compact, and light-weight

3. Drive Disposable Nebulizer Kit

FSA Approved

Improve your breathing ability for a healthy life with this nebulizer kit. It can be used 3 to 4 times a day and provides 80% of particles in the respirable range. The nebulizer mouthpiece allows the user to inhale the medication effectively and enhances the functioning of the lungs.

Features of Drive Disposable Nebulizer Kit

• Easy-to-use, portable, and disposable
• Fast nebulization times
• Greater particle density
• Easy-to-clean

5. Respironics Sidestream Reusable Nebulizer

FSA Approved

Ease your breathing problem with this nebulizer. It uses the Venturi system to provide optimal airflow and speed up the treatment time. It has an efficient drug delivery where 80% of medication output volume is below 5 microns in size.

Features of Respironics Sidestream Reusable Nebulizer

• Highly efficient drug delivery
• Usable with a nebulizer mask or mouthpiece
• Delivers 2.5ml of drug within 7 minutes
• FSA Approved

Nebulizers are an effective way to use inhalation medication to treat bronchitis. They do not restrict mobility and deliver medicines directly to the lungs. They also provide options to use a mouthpiece or a mask, whichever is preferred. Although this type of therapy cannot cure bronchitis, a nebulizer can help maintain and improve the state of the illness. Always consult your doctor if you feel any unusual symptoms while using inhalation therapy.

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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. 2015. V. 23. No. 3. S. 169-173.

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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Bronchitis. Treatment of bronchitis in a child. Inhalations for bronchitis

February 21, 2021

What is bronchitis and what causes it

With bronchitis, the mucous membranes of the bronchi are inflamed, sputum secretion increases, breathing becomes difficult. The disease is common in children, as well as in immunocompromised adults. Among the causes of the disease, the following can be noted:

• Viruses (influenza, adenoviruses, etc. ).
• Bacteria (streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcus, etc.).
• Allergens (dust, plant pollen, pet hair, etc.).
• Toxic substances (aldehydes, nitric oxide, hydrochloric acid, etc.).

A high risk of developing bronchitis applies to active and passive smokers, people with reduced immune defenses or a genetic predisposition, and those who are exposed to adverse environmental factors at home or at work.

What types of bronchitis are there

The disease comes in two main forms:

• Sharp . Acute bronchitis is accompanied by a wet cough and sputum. The disease lasts 1.5-2 weeks in the absence of complications.
• Chronic . A progressive disease in which there is a change in the bronchial structure, a weakening of the main functions of the bronchi. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed if the disease is regular and lasts at least 3 months a year for 2 years in a row. For this form of bronchitis, treatment includes, in addition to the standard treatment regimen, a general improvement of the body.

Acute bronchitis occurs in children in the following forms:

• Plain. Bronchial mucosa affected. There are symptoms of acute bronchitis.
• Obstructive. Wheezing, whistles are heard. Breathing is rapid, labored.
• Bronchiolitis. Inflammation of the bronchioles, which is accompanied by rapid breathing (40-50 breaths per minute). Heart palpitations may occur.

How to treat bronchitis – depends on the type of disease, the characteristics of the course of the disease and the patient’s condition.

Symptoms of bronchitis in children and adults

Bronchitis in children and adults is accompanied by a dry cough, which turns into a wet one on the 2-3rd day of the disease. If bronchitis is of infectious origin, the following symptomatic picture is observed:

• Increased body temperature.
• Breathing is hard, wheezing is heard, in some cases – difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
• Weakness, general malaise.
• Discomfort in the chest.

Wet cough in bronchitis accompanied by sputum. The color of sputum determines the nature of the disease and the presence of complications.

• White and translucent white sputum indicates the normal course of the disease.
• A yellow discharge often indicates the presence of a bacterial infection.
• Green secret appears with the development of pneumonia, fungal infection, lung abscess.
• Brown discharge is a sign of chronic bronchitis or severe lung disease. Before treating bronchitis, you need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

If diagnosed with bronchitis

The treatment of bronchitis with a nebulizer is highly effective, since the medicinal preparation enters the bronchi directly and begins to act.