Can Steroids Help Bronchitis? Understanding the Benefits and Risks

If you’ve been diagnosed with bronchitis, you may be wondering what treatment options are available to you. One potential treatment option is the use of steroids. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and risks of using steroids to treat bronchitis, and help you determine if this treatment option is right for you.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed. This inflammation can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, or by exposure to irritants such as smoke or pollution.

How Can Steroids Help Bronchitis?

Steroids are a type of medication that can help reduce inflammation in the body. When used to treat bronchitis, steroids can help reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes, making it easier to breathe. Steroids can also help reduce coughing and wheezing.

What Are the Risks of Using Steroids to Treat Bronchitis?

While steroids can be an effective treatment option for bronchitis, they do come with some risks. Some of the potential side effects of using steroids include:

• Increased risk of infection
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of osteoporosis

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using steroids with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Is Steroid Treatment Right for You?

If you’ve been diagnosed with bronchitis, your healthcare provider may recommend steroid treatment as part of your overall treatment plan. However, this treatment option may not be right for everyone. Factors such as your overall health, medical history, and current medications may all play a role in determining if steroid treatment is right for you.

Book an Appointment with Nao Medical Today

If you’re struggling with bronchitis, Nao Medical is here to help. Our team of healthcare providers can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Book an appointment with us today to discuss your treatment options and find relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can steroids cure bronchitis?

No, steroids cannot cure bronchitis. However, they can help reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes, making it easier to breathe.

How long does it take for steroids to work for bronchitis?

The length of time it takes for steroids to work for bronchitis can vary depending on the individual. In some cases, patients may start to feel relief within a few days of starting treatment.

What are the side effects of using steroids to treat bronchitis?

Some of the potential side effects of using steroids to treat bronchitis include increased risk of infection, weight gain, mood changes, high blood pressure, and increased risk of osteoporosis.

Is steroid treatment right for everyone with bronchitis?

No, steroid treatment may not be right for everyone with bronchitis. Factors such as overall health, medical history, and current medications may all play a role in determining if steroid treatment is right for you.

Book an Appointment with Nao Medical Today

Don’t suffer through bronchitis alone. Book an appointment with Nao Medical today to discuss your treatment options and find relief.

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.

Steroids for the Common Cold: What’s the Risk?

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Steroids, they’ve commonly been used and abused throughout sports and fitness because of their instant and energizing effects. But now another kind of steroid, corticosteroids, used for organ transplant acceptance and autoimmune conditions, may be getting dangerously overprescribed.

Bronchitis, sore throat, congestion, the common cold. These common respiratory issues usually resolve on their own. But doctors can also prescribe a steroid shot.

“You’ll take them either as an injection or as a pill and they go everywhere,” said Dennis Miller, PhD, Executive Vice President of Development at Blaze Bioscience.

When patients go to the doctor, they expect something to happen and it turns out that doctors are reimbursed by insurance if they prescribe a steroid shot. Steroid shots offer instant gratification and a huge energy boost, alleviating symptoms temporarily but some medical experts say they lack evidence of true benefit for respiratory patients.

“It’s really tough to give patients steroids long-term because there’s just too much side effects,” continued Miller.

Steroid use has been linked to frightening side effects like blood clots, heart failure, sepsis, and psychotic episodes even when they’re used short-term. Now, some doctors are concerned that these corticosteroids are being over prescribed to patients who have no indicated need for steroids. In an analysis of 10 million outpatients, 1.2 million people with acute respiratory infections were prescribed corticosteroids. Researchers say if you feel uncomfortable receiving steroids, ask your doctor if they’re absolutely necessary and for evidence of its benefits.

The American Addiction Center says corticosteroids are not an addictive substance, but they can cause symptoms of withdrawal when stopped abruptly. Corticosteroids raise the brain’s level of cortisol, the hormone that regulates stress, and can cause patients to produce less of it naturally leading to a corticosteroid dependence.

Contributors to this news report include: Sabrina Broadbent, Producer; and Roque Correa, Editor.

 STEROIDS FOR THE COMMON COLD: WHAT’S THE RISK?
REPORT #2837

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids are steroids you get in an injection. They’re different than anabolic steroids, which are used to build muscle. Corticosteroids are the man-made version of cortisol, a hormone that’s naturally made by the adrenal glands. These hormones help respond to stress in the body from injury or illness and reduce immune system activity which helps ease inflammation. Steroid injections help increase the natural hormones’ anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing power. They are used for immune-related diseases and also joint and muscle conditions. Steroid injections must be done in a doctor’s office or hospital. The doctor may use an ultrasound to locate exactly where to give you the injection. Steroids can also be given through the veins (intravenously). This method is usually used for autoimmune flares.

(Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/steroid-injection#what-are-steroids)

RISKS OF STEROIDS: The use of steroids can lead to emotional and physical problems. Studies show that the abuse of steroids can increase aggressive behavior, cause mood swings, and impair judgment. Other effects may include male-pattern baldness, acne, and liver damage. Risks that can increase with the use of steroids are heart disease, growth of certain cancers, and may worsen other medical problems. Steroids taken orally have been linked to liver disease, and steroids taken by injection can increase the risk of hepatitis or AIDS. Steroids can prevent a person from reaching their natural height and trigger the growth of breasts in males. In females, steroids can cause a deeper voice and facial hair growth caused by the masculinizing effect of testosterone-like hormones.

(Source: https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/steroid-and-hormone-abuse/health-effects-of-steroids)

ALTERNATIVE TO STEROIDS: Research shows monoclonal antibodies could significantly improve quality of life for individuals with severe asthma while reducing the need for oral corticosteroids and their side effects. The study highlighted several people out of 200,000 with severe asthma, who didn’t respond to the usual inhaled treatments, and had to take oral steroid tablets. However, injectable biologic treatments called monoclonal antibodies are now being developed and have shown to reduce asthma attacks and hospital visits and are suitable for some people with severe asthma. “Many people with mild to moderate asthma will need to take low doses of anti-inflammatory steroids through their preventer inhaler to manage their symptoms and cut their risk of an asthma attack, but monoclonal antibodies are biologic treatments that can be an alternative to long-term steroids, preventing more asthma attacks but with fewer side effects,” explained Andy Whittamore, a GP and clinical lead at Asthma UK.

(Source: https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/news/alternative-to-steroids-could-transform-the-lives-of-people-with-severe-asthma-charity-says/20205524.article?firstPass=false#:~:text=Monoclonal%20antibodies%20are%20biologic%20treatments,but%20with%20fewer%20side%20effects.%E2%80%9D)

* For More Information, Contact:

Heather Franklin

Heather. [email protected]

Free weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs from Ivanhoe. To sign up: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk

Bronchitis: what to do if the cough does not go away

September 18, 2021

Likbez

Health

Antibiotics are rarely needed.

What is bronchitis and how does it happen

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air from the trachea to the lungs and back, which is accompanied by coughing.

There are two types of the disease. The first is acute bronchitis. It usually resolves within 10 days, although the cough may persist for several weeks. Sometimes, without proper treatment, inflammation can lead to pneumonia.

The second type is chronic bronchitis. This is a constant irritation and inflammation of the bronchi, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Where does bronchitis come from

The main cause of acute bronchitis is a viral infection. It can be transmitted from an infected person to others during coughing, sneezing, talking or contact.

But sometimes inflammation of the bronchi is caused by other factors:

• bacteria or fungi;
• external irritants – steam, dust, smoke, including from cigarettes;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease, where acid from the stomach causes heartburn and can pass through the larynx into the bronchi.

Chronic bronchitis is most often caused by smoking, inhaling dust and chemicals, and sometimes due to a genetic pathology – a deficiency of the alpha-1-antitrypsin protein. It is needed to protect the lungs from the elastase enzyme, which is released during inflammation.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis

Both acute and chronic types are characterized by the following symptoms:

• cough with clear or greenish sputum;
• shortness of breath;
• wheezing;
• chest tightness, heavy breathing;
• sore throat;
• increased body temperature;
• chills;
• fatigue and weakness.

What to do if symptoms of bronchitis appear

It is worth going to a therapist, and if the temperature is above 38 °C, you can call him at home. The doctor will listen to the lungs, this is enough to make a diagnosis. Although in some cases the specialist prescribes an additional examination:

• Chest x-ray. The picture determines whether pneumonia has developed.
• Sputum analysis. Helps to understand if antibiotics are needed to kill a bacterial infection.
• Pulmonary function tests, or spirometry. A person blows into a special apparatus that measures the volume of exhaled air and the speed of its removal. This study is necessary for the differential diagnosis of emphysema and asthma.

How bronchitis is treated

It all depends on the type of disease.

Acute bronchitis

Doctors advise to rest, drink more fluids, but without alcohol and caffeine. The air in the house must be humidified using a steam generator or other available method. You may also be prescribed medication:

• Over-the-counter painkillers to bring down the fever.
• Expectorants – if sputum comes out with difficulty during coughing.
• Bronchodilator inhalers.
• Antibiotics. They are sometimes prescribed if a bacterial infection develops.

But folk remedies do not help with bronchitis. Compresses, mustard plasters, hot foot baths and cups create the illusion of care, but they are powerless against viruses and bacteria.

Chronic bronchitis

Treatment usually includes drugs and advice on lifestyle changes. So, doctors advise quitting smoking and avoiding passive smoking, doing physical exercises to train the respiratory muscles.

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. Medications only help relieve symptoms. It can be:

• Bronchodilators. These are inhalers that expand the lumen of the bronchi.
• Steroid hormones. They are also available as an inhaler and help reduce inflammation.
• Antibiotics. Needed if a bacterial infection develops.

If a person with chronic bronchitis has low blood oxygen levels, they will be given oxygen therapy, or oxygen inhalation. And in severe cases, a lung transplant is done.

How to prevent bronchitis

To do this, experts from the reputable medical organization Mayo Clinic advise:

• Avoid cigarette smoke. It increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis because it damages the airways.
• Get a flu shot. It often causes acute bronchitis.
• Wash your hands frequently. This will help to avoid contracting a viral infection.
• Wear a surgical mask. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it will help protect against dust or fumes at work, and in crowds of people from infection. This will reduce the number of exacerbations.

Read also 😷🤒🤕

• What is pharyngitis and how to treat it
• How to protect your lungs from city smog and dust
• How community-acquired pneumonia differs from hospital-acquired pneumonia and how they are treated
• 11 symptoms of pneumonia that you should not miss
• What is the danger of tracheitis and how to treat it

Obstructive bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract

Obstructive bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract that affects the bronchi. Bronchitis, in which the bronchi are narrowed, is called obstructive. Obstruction (literally, this is a narrowing, overlap) – occurs under the influence of the inflammatory process in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, they thicken due to edema. Edema leads to a concentration of sputum in the lumen of the bronchus. Phlegm “clogs” the bronchi. Air passes through the bronchi with difficulty. The patient hears whistles, rales in the chest, as if a bagpipe is being played inside.

In an adult patient, it happens – acute and chronic.

Acute obstructive bronchitis

It is an inflammation in the bronchi that starts quickly and is not preceded by several years of regular coughing. To the doctor’s question “How long have you been coughing?”, the patient will answer no more than a week.

The inflammatory process in the bronchi leads to swelling and irritation. There is a cough lasting no more than 3 weeks. In acute bronchitis, inflammation does not last long, and the structure of the bronchi will fully recover after recovery.

In 80% of cases, acute obstructive bronchitis is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. For example influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus infection. Usually, all these pathogens, except for the flu, are called colds by people. Less common causes of acute bronchitis are bacteria – mycoplasma or chlamydia pneumonia, the causative agent of whooping cough, staphylococcus aureus, streptococci and Haemophilus influenzae.

Chronic obstructive bronchitis

This is a chronic disease of the bronchi, inflammatory in nature. At the same time, chronic (long-term) inflammation and edema develop in the bronchial tree. Chronic inflammation and swelling narrow the bronchial tubes, which limits the flow of air into the lungs. The mechanism of occurrence of obstruction coincides with the acute process that we described above. Against the background of obstruction, cough and shortness of breath increase. Whistles and wheezing are heard in the chest. Sometimes wheezing and whistles are heard even by nearby people. Cough torments the patient for several years. The frequency of exacerbations of cough and other symptoms is two to three times a year, for more than three weeks in a row.

Chronic bronchitis happens

• Obstructive
• simple relapsing
• Asthmatic.

There are several causes of chronic obstructive bronchitis in adults. In the first place is the influence of external factors – tobacco smoking (active and passive). On the second work associated with inorganic dust (metallurgy, coal industry, etc.), the use of coal for home heating.

Other causes of this disease are infections. For example, previously transferred, poorly or late treated bronchopulmonary diseases (consequences of untreated SARS, pneumonia or childhood infections).

Asthmatic bronchitis is either undiagnosed asthma or its debut, or pre-asthma.

Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis

The main and main symptom of any bronchitis is a cough.

There can be a cough without bronchitis – but there is no bronchitis without a cough!

In acute and chronic obstructive disease, sputum is coughed up during coughing. The cough is called wet or “wet”. Cough is often without sputum – “dry cough”.

The color of sputum during coughing is varied, from transparent to green-brown and sometimes with blood. The color is given to it by bacteria that entered the bronchi during breathing and multiplied.

For an acute process, a light color of sputum or yellow is more characteristic. For a chronic process, yellow-green, green and brown color is more characteristic. This is due to chronic long-term inflammation and the presence of more aggressive microflora in the sputum.

Chronic asthmatic bronchitis is characterized by bouts of coughing, sometimes with frothy or glassy sputum. Cough wakes the patient at night or in the morning. It interferes with such a cough during exercise and when traveling on the subway. Against the background of coughing with asthmatic bronchitis, whistles in the chest can be heard. The patient says “cat concert” in my chest!

Rise in temperature in these diseases is also not uncommon. This is due to the reasons that caused the development of the disease – these are respiratory viruses. Temperature rise to 39C, and with influenza more than 39C are possible.

With exacerbation of obstructive bronchitis, the temperature rises slowly. At first, it is small (subfebrile), then it can suddenly increase and persist for a long time. Just during the period of rise, sputum from light to become green or brown.

Shortness of breath, labored breathing

These symptoms are typical for any acute and chronic bronchitis complicated by obstruction, as well as for asthmatic bronchitis. These symptoms, plus wheezing and wheezing, are associated with bronchial constriction. The more pronounced the narrowing, the more coughing, whistling in the chest and wheezing. When the infection enters the bronchial mucosa, it becomes inflamed and swells, and its lumen decreases. Obstruction is exacerbated by sputum, which additionally blocks the movement of air during breathing and its speed is sharply reduced. In this case, a person is forced to breathe more often in order to provide himself with oxygen. During these events, a sick person feels congestion and pain in the chest, burning, wheezing.

In asthmatic bronchitis, obstruction occurs suddenly. This attack of suffocation causes panic in the sick. The man says “I had an asthma attack!” Coughing up sputum during this attack is difficult, whistles and wheezing are heard in the chest.

Treatment of obstructive bronchitis

The main tasks that must be solved in obstructive bronchitis

1. Cough is relieved – it should not interfere with sleep, do household chores, irritate and interfere with loved ones.
2. It is necessary to restore the normal passage of air through the bronchi – reduce obstruction, improve sputum expectoration.
3. The infection must be eradicated.
4. After recovery, prescribe a program to strengthen immunity, conduct rehabilitation and give recommendations on vaccination against influenza and pneumonia.

Acute uncomplicated bronchitis is cured without active treatment, and without consequences. It is better for the patient not to go to work at this time, but to stay at home. Plentiful warm drink and usually in 7 days recovery will come.

Remember: Obstructive bronchitis carried on the “legs” can be complicated by pneumonia!

For the treatment of obstruction, berodual is used through a nebulizer. Expectorants are ineffective in an acute process. The decision to use is made by the doctor.

If the disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature for more than 4 days, consult a pulmonologist. You may have pneumonia and need other medications.

With an exacerbation of a chronic obstructive process in the lungs, the task is different. Treatment is mandatory. In order for the disease not to progress, active treatment is necessary. The causes of the exacerbation of this disease are usually associated with a bacterial infection on the background of a cold or hypothermia. Antibiotics are indispensable for treatment. Modern expectorants will be required. Inhalation of bronchodilators, especially through a nebulizer, will quickly reduce coughing.

In asthmatic bronchitis, treatment is aimed at stopping the sudden narrowing of the bronchial lumen. The disease develops in response to the inhalation of an allergen, chemicals with a pungent odor, organic dust. It is necessary to exclude contact of the patient with the irritant. The symptoms of this disease are bouts of coughing, wheezing and whistling in the chest. The clinical picture is bright. For therapy, drugs that dilate the bronchi, expectorants, steroids in the form of inhalations or intravenously will be effective. Antibiotic therapy is rarely used.

Methods of treatment

Medicines

Antibiotics – necessary to destroy the bacteria that caused inflammation in the bronchi. Due to the high percentage of thoughtless use of antibiotics, the number of bacteria resistant to treatment has increased.

Do not self-medicate! Antibiotics must be prescribed by a doctor! In the medical scientific community, there are clear recommendations for prescribing an antibiotic for the regions of our country.

Antiviral drugs are needed only for the treatment of influenza and the inflammation of the bronchi that accompanies this disease. Only two drugs with proven efficacy against this virus are used – Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. These medicines treat only the flu, they are useless for other SARS.

The appointment of immunity stimulants will not bring tangible results. Therefore, in the recommendations of medical societies you will not find these drugs.

With bronchial obstruction, drugs that resolve this obstruction are needed and effective – they expand the bronchi.

Bronchodilators (bronchodilators)

These drugs are inhaled through nebulizers. These include Berodual, Atrovent and Salbutamol. The doctor prescribes treatment. they have side effects.

Steroid medicines are effective for chronic asthmatic bronchitis. They are inhaled in the form of inhalations, or administered intravenously.

Expectorants – ambroxol, acetylcestein or carbocestein. Preparations can be used in the form of inhalations or parenterally (intravenously). The dose and frequency of taking these drugs is determined by the pulmonologist.

Inhalation

In the treatment of obstructive bronchitis, the role of inhalation is difficult to overestimate. Compressor nebulizers spray antibiotics, bronchodilators, expectorants, corticosteroids to microparticles and inject a therapeutic aerosol into the bronchi. The advantage of this delivery method is that the drug is delivered exactly to the site of inflammation. Therefore, during treatment through a nebulizer, it is possible to quickly reduce cough, normalize sputum expectoration, and reduce its viscosity.

Massage

Very effective and simple for treatment has recommended massage – cupping massage. Cupping massage has long come to us from Chinese medicine. Irritation of the reflex zones of the skin of the back stimulates expectoration of sputum, reduces cough and leads to recovery.

“Ventum Vest Vibration” – a complex effect of vibration massage and pressure on the chest at the same time. The patient is put on a special vest, into which air is injected under pressure. By changing the frequency of air supply to the vest and the pressure on the chest, immunity is activated. This is due to the improvement of microcirculation in the affected bronchi. Improves lymphatic circulation and regeneration of damaged bronchial mucosa. If vibration massage is combined with inhalation of antibiotics and expectorant drugs, then their concentration in the affected bronchi will increase. A complex effect on the bronchi contributes to a speedy recovery without complications.

exercise therapy and breathing exercises

At the stage of reducing the severity of the disease or exacerbation, exercise therapy and breathing exercises will increase sputum expectoration, improve blood supply to the bronchi. As a result, inflammation, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing will decrease. This effect is obtained by training the respiratory muscles. These muscles include the diaphragm, intercostal muscles and back muscles. The main audience for whom exercise therapy helps is patients with chronic smoker’s cough, COPD.

Possible consequences and complications obstructive bronchitis

With improper treatment of obstruction in the bronchi, serious complications are possible. The first is pneumonia. Pneumonia is an acute infectious disease that leads to rapid death. The risk of developing pneumonia with delayed or incorrect treatment is high. To prevent the development of pneumonia, the patient must definitely contact a pulmonologist. The doctor will be able to diagnose – exclude pneumonia. Perhaps he will prescribe a course of antibiotics, without waiting for the development of pneumonia. If the body temperature does not decrease for more than 3-4 days or constantly increases, the cough intensifies and purulent or brown sputum appears, then it is very likely that you have pneumonia.

Against the background of bronchitis, a complication of pneumothorax is possible – this is a rupture of the pleura due to a strong and intense cough. This is an emergency situation. Pneumothorax is noted in patients with bullous transformation, COPD, but there are often cases of pneumothorax against the background of prolonged coughing. Brie of long-term obstruction and inflammation, the lung tissue loses its elasticity, becomes rigid. Lung tissue is easily damaged by coughing. Therefore, if symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath and chest pain appear, it is urgent to consult a pulmonologist.

Frequent exacerbations of obstructive bronchitis lead to the onset or progression of COPD, a disease that leads to the development of respiratory failure and death.