Home remedies and when to see a doctor

Bronchitis is a condition where the lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs becomes inflamed.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Most cases of acute bronchitis will clear up without medical treatment or the need for antibiotics.

Chronic bronchitis is more severe and difficult to treat.

Some people find the following home remedies and lifestyle changes helpful for bronchitis:

1. Getting plenty of rest

Share on PinterestA good night’s sleep can repair tissue damage, increase energy levels, and assist recovery from bronchitis.

One of the main symptoms of bronchitis is fatigue. The infection and the persistent cough that comes with it can cause extreme tiredness.

Research has shown that sleeping may boost the immune system and aid recovery from infection.

Sleep helps the body to repair tissue damage and generate new tissue, release important hormones, and renew energy.

To assist sleeping, use more pillows to raise the head. This sleeping position can help to soothe breathing and clear mucus from the chest.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per day and children around 10-12 hours per day. Getting enough sleep will help fight infection and assist recovery from bronchitis.

2. Drinking enough fluid

Bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection of the airways and lungs. Doctors often advise people with respiratory infections to increase their fluid intake.

People with bronchitis can become dehydrated due to increased fluid loss from fever, rapid breathing, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, headache, and more discomfort in the mouth and throat.

Drinking enough fluid with bronchitis can help:

• avoid dehydration
• reduce mucus thickness
• loosen nasal mucus
• moisten the throat

Fluid can include water, juice, herbal tea, soup, and the water in foods.

However, research has not proved or disproved the recommendation to increase fluids for respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. However, hydration does compensate for lost fluid.

3. Using a humidifier

Humidifiers increase moisture levels in a room by emitting water vapor or steam.

Low humidity and cold temperatures have been connected with an increase in respiratory tract infections. Low humidity can also irritate nasal passages and the throat, and cause itchy eyes and dry skin.

Inhaling heated and humidified air may help loosen mucus and encourage it to drain away.

Various humidifiers are available to purchase online.

People using a humidifier should make sure the unit is properly maintained and humidity levels are monitored. Dirty humidifiers are a breeding ground for mold or bacteria. Too high humidity can cause respiratory problems as well as triggering allergy and asthma flare-ups.

People without a humidifier can increase water in the air by boiling it on the stove for 5 minutes every hour. They can also add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils and hang their head over the bowl or pan of boiling water for a few minutes to relieve symptoms. Placing a towel over the head helps keep in moisture.

4. Quitting smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. Stopping smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke may improve a person’s quality of life.

Smoking damages the bronchial tubes and breaks down the body’s defense against infection. Inhaling smoke can trigger severe fits of coughing if a person has bronchitis.

Quitting smoking altogether or cutting down limits damage to the bronchial tubes and helps faster healing. A person who quits smoking is less likely to get acute bronchitis in the future.

People should also stay away from other irritants that may trigger bronchitis, such as dust, chemicals in household products, and air pollution. Filters in air conditioning and heating systems should be changed as recommended by manufacturers.

5. Following a healthful diet

To alleviate symptoms of bronchitis and manage the condition, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend lifestyle changes that include following a healthful diet.

A healthful diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It also includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products and limits saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.

Eating a healthful diet keeps a person’s immune system working. Not eating a balanced diet can lead to a person’s immune functions being impaired. This damage is caused by an insufficient intake of energy and macronutrients, as well as a lack of specific micronutrients.

6. Treating body aches and pains

Taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms of bronchitis, such as fever, headache, and aches and pains.

Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers, unless advised by a doctor, due to the associated risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can be hazardous for people with asthma and should be avoided.

7. Avoiding over-the-counter cough suppressants

Share on PinterestHoney and lemon tea may be equally as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines in reducing a dry cough.

There are two main types of over-the-counter cough medicines:

• Cough suppressants, which reduce a dry cough by blocking the coughing reflex.
• Cough expectorants, which help thin and bring up mucus from a wet cough and lubricate the respiratory tract.

It is not recommended that people use cough suppressants for a cough that brings up mucus. When the lining of the bronchial tubes is inflamed by irritants, excess mucus is produced, causing frequent coughing. Coughing up the mucus helps to remove the irritants from the lungs and airways.

A 2014 Cochrane review found no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of over-the-counter cough medicines.

There is little evidence to suggest that cough medicines are any more effective than home remedies. A home remedy of honey and lemon is likely to have the same outcome.

It is not recommended to give infants up to 12 months of age honey due to the risk of infant botulism.

8. Using pursed-lip breathing

People with chronic bronchitis often breathe fast. A breathing method called pursed-lip breathing may help slow down the breathing pace and control shortness of breath.

The method works by reducing how often a breath is taken, which keeps the airways open for a longer period. Since pursed-lip breathing lets more air flow in and out of the lungs, it allows the person to be more physically active.

To do pursed-lip breathing, a person should first take a breath in through the nostrils for two counts. They should then breathe out slowly and gently through slightly pursed lips, as if going to kiss someone, while counting to four.

9. Soothing a sore throat

A common symptom of bronchitis is a sore throat. There are many ways to soothe a sore throat including:

• gargling saltwater
• drinking cool or warm fluids
• eating cool and soft foods
• sucking lozenges, hard candy, ice cubes, or ice pops. Lozenges can be purchased in pharmacies or online.
• using over-the-counter lozenges and sprays, which can be purchased online.
• taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Caregivers should not give children under 4 years anything small and hard to suck due to the risk of choking.

10. Taking nutrition and dietary supplements

There is some evidence that supplements may benefit people with bronchitis. People should get advice from a healthcare provider when considering supplements. Some supplements interact with medicines or have side effects.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. One review found that NAC could help prevent sudden worsening of chronic bronchitis symptoms.

Probiotics are live microorganisms. When consumed as food or supplements, they are thought to maintain or restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Probiotics may regulate the immune system. Probiotics have been shown to be better than placebo in preventing respiratory tract infections and may have a beneficial effect on the duration and severity of symptoms in acute bronchitis.

Different probiotic supplements are available to purchase in health food stores and online.

Home remedies and when to see a doctor

Bronchitis is a condition where the lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs becomes inflamed.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Most cases of acute bronchitis will clear up without medical treatment or the need for antibiotics.

Chronic bronchitis is more severe and difficult to treat.

Some people find the following home remedies and lifestyle changes helpful for bronchitis:

1. Getting plenty of rest

Share on PinterestA good night’s sleep can repair tissue damage, increase energy levels, and assist recovery from bronchitis.

One of the main symptoms of bronchitis is fatigue. The infection and the persistent cough that comes with it can cause extreme tiredness.

Research has shown that sleeping may boost the immune system and aid recovery from infection.

Sleep helps the body to repair tissue damage and generate new tissue, release important hormones, and renew energy.

To assist sleeping, use more pillows to raise the head. This sleeping position can help to soothe breathing and clear mucus from the chest.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per day and children around 10-12 hours per day. Getting enough sleep will help fight infection and assist recovery from bronchitis.

2. Drinking enough fluid

Bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection of the airways and lungs. Doctors often advise people with respiratory infections to increase their fluid intake.

People with bronchitis can become dehydrated due to increased fluid loss from fever, rapid breathing, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, headache, and more discomfort in the mouth and throat.

Drinking enough fluid with bronchitis can help:

• avoid dehydration
• reduce mucus thickness
• loosen nasal mucus
• moisten the throat

Fluid can include water, juice, herbal tea, soup, and the water in foods.

However, research has not proved or disproved the recommendation to increase fluids for respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. However, hydration does compensate for lost fluid.

3. Using a humidifier

Humidifiers increase moisture levels in a room by emitting water vapor or steam.

Low humidity and cold temperatures have been connected with an increase in respiratory tract infections. Low humidity can also irritate nasal passages and the throat, and cause itchy eyes and dry skin.

Inhaling heated and humidified air may help loosen mucus and encourage it to drain away.

Various humidifiers are available to purchase online.

People using a humidifier should make sure the unit is properly maintained and humidity levels are monitored. Dirty humidifiers are a breeding ground for mold or bacteria. Too high humidity can cause respiratory problems as well as triggering allergy and asthma flare-ups.

People without a humidifier can increase water in the air by boiling it on the stove for 5 minutes every hour. They can also add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils and hang their head over the bowl or pan of boiling water for a few minutes to relieve symptoms. Placing a towel over the head helps keep in moisture.

4. Quitting smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. Stopping smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke may improve a person’s quality of life.

Smoking damages the bronchial tubes and breaks down the body’s defense against infection. Inhaling smoke can trigger severe fits of coughing if a person has bronchitis.

Quitting smoking altogether or cutting down limits damage to the bronchial tubes and helps faster healing. A person who quits smoking is less likely to get acute bronchitis in the future.

People should also stay away from other irritants that may trigger bronchitis, such as dust, chemicals in household products, and air pollution. Filters in air conditioning and heating systems should be changed as recommended by manufacturers.

5. Following a healthful diet

To alleviate symptoms of bronchitis and manage the condition, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend lifestyle changes that include following a healthful diet.

A healthful diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It also includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products and limits saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.

Eating a healthful diet keeps a person’s immune system working. Not eating a balanced diet can lead to a person’s immune functions being impaired. This damage is caused by an insufficient intake of energy and macronutrients, as well as a lack of specific micronutrients.

6. Treating body aches and pains

Taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms of bronchitis, such as fever, headache, and aches and pains.

Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers, unless advised by a doctor, due to the associated risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can be hazardous for people with asthma and should be avoided.

7. Avoiding over-the-counter cough suppressants

Share on PinterestHoney and lemon tea may be equally as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines in reducing a dry cough.

There are two main types of over-the-counter cough medicines:

• Cough suppressants, which reduce a dry cough by blocking the coughing reflex.
• Cough expectorants, which help thin and bring up mucus from a wet cough and lubricate the respiratory tract.

It is not recommended that people use cough suppressants for a cough that brings up mucus. When the lining of the bronchial tubes is inflamed by irritants, excess mucus is produced, causing frequent coughing. Coughing up the mucus helps to remove the irritants from the lungs and airways.

A 2014 Cochrane review found no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of over-the-counter cough medicines.

There is little evidence to suggest that cough medicines are any more effective than home remedies. A home remedy of honey and lemon is likely to have the same outcome.

It is not recommended to give infants up to 12 months of age honey due to the risk of infant botulism.

8. Using pursed-lip breathing

People with chronic bronchitis often breathe fast. A breathing method called pursed-lip breathing may help slow down the breathing pace and control shortness of breath.

The method works by reducing how often a breath is taken, which keeps the airways open for a longer period. Since pursed-lip breathing lets more air flow in and out of the lungs, it allows the person to be more physically active.

To do pursed-lip breathing, a person should first take a breath in through the nostrils for two counts. They should then breathe out slowly and gently through slightly pursed lips, as if going to kiss someone, while counting to four.

9. Soothing a sore throat

A common symptom of bronchitis is a sore throat. There are many ways to soothe a sore throat including:

• gargling saltwater
• drinking cool or warm fluids
• eating cool and soft foods
• sucking lozenges, hard candy, ice cubes, or ice pops. Lozenges can be purchased in pharmacies or online.
• using over-the-counter lozenges and sprays, which can be purchased online.
• taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Caregivers should not give children under 4 years anything small and hard to suck due to the risk of choking.

10. Taking nutrition and dietary supplements

There is some evidence that supplements may benefit people with bronchitis. People should get advice from a healthcare provider when considering supplements. Some supplements interact with medicines or have side effects.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. One review found that NAC could help prevent sudden worsening of chronic bronchitis symptoms.

Probiotics are live microorganisms. When consumed as food or supplements, they are thought to maintain or restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Probiotics may regulate the immune system. Probiotics have been shown to be better than placebo in preventing respiratory tract infections and may have a beneficial effect on the duration and severity of symptoms in acute bronchitis.

Different probiotic supplements are available to purchase in health food stores and online.

Home remedies and when to see a doctor

Bronchitis is a condition where the lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs becomes inflamed.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Most cases of acute bronchitis will clear up without medical treatment or the need for antibiotics.

Chronic bronchitis is more severe and difficult to treat.

Some people find the following home remedies and lifestyle changes helpful for bronchitis:

1. Getting plenty of rest

Share on PinterestA good night’s sleep can repair tissue damage, increase energy levels, and assist recovery from bronchitis.

One of the main symptoms of bronchitis is fatigue. The infection and the persistent cough that comes with it can cause extreme tiredness.

Research has shown that sleeping may boost the immune system and aid recovery from infection.

Sleep helps the body to repair tissue damage and generate new tissue, release important hormones, and renew energy.

To assist sleeping, use more pillows to raise the head. This sleeping position can help to soothe breathing and clear mucus from the chest.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per day and children around 10-12 hours per day. Getting enough sleep will help fight infection and assist recovery from bronchitis.

2. Drinking enough fluid

Bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection of the airways and lungs. Doctors often advise people with respiratory infections to increase their fluid intake.

People with bronchitis can become dehydrated due to increased fluid loss from fever, rapid breathing, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, headache, and more discomfort in the mouth and throat.

Drinking enough fluid with bronchitis can help:

• avoid dehydration
• reduce mucus thickness
• loosen nasal mucus
• moisten the throat

Fluid can include water, juice, herbal tea, soup, and the water in foods.

However, research has not proved or disproved the recommendation to increase fluids for respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. However, hydration does compensate for lost fluid.

3. Using a humidifier

Humidifiers increase moisture levels in a room by emitting water vapor or steam.

Low humidity and cold temperatures have been connected with an increase in respiratory tract infections. Low humidity can also irritate nasal passages and the throat, and cause itchy eyes and dry skin.

Inhaling heated and humidified air may help loosen mucus and encourage it to drain away.

Various humidifiers are available to purchase online.

People using a humidifier should make sure the unit is properly maintained and humidity levels are monitored. Dirty humidifiers are a breeding ground for mold or bacteria. Too high humidity can cause respiratory problems as well as triggering allergy and asthma flare-ups.

People without a humidifier can increase water in the air by boiling it on the stove for 5 minutes every hour. They can also add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils and hang their head over the bowl or pan of boiling water for a few minutes to relieve symptoms. Placing a towel over the head helps keep in moisture.

4.

Quitting smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. Stopping smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke may improve a person’s quality of life.

Smoking damages the bronchial tubes and breaks down the body’s defense against infection. Inhaling smoke can trigger severe fits of coughing if a person has bronchitis.

Quitting smoking altogether or cutting down limits damage to the bronchial tubes and helps faster healing. A person who quits smoking is less likely to get acute bronchitis in the future.

People should also stay away from other irritants that may trigger bronchitis, such as dust, chemicals in household products, and air pollution. Filters in air conditioning and heating systems should be changed as recommended by manufacturers.

5. Following a healthful diet

To alleviate symptoms of bronchitis and manage the condition, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend lifestyle changes that include following a healthful diet.

A healthful diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It also includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products and limits saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.

Eating a healthful diet keeps a person’s immune system working. Not eating a balanced diet can lead to a person’s immune functions being impaired. This damage is caused by an insufficient intake of energy and macronutrients, as well as a lack of specific micronutrients.

6. Treating body aches and pains

Taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms of bronchitis, such as fever, headache, and aches and pains.

Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers, unless advised by a doctor, due to the associated risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can be hazardous for people with asthma and should be avoided.

7. Avoiding over-the-counter cough suppressants

Share on PinterestHoney and lemon tea may be equally as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines in reducing a dry cough.

There are two main types of over-the-counter cough medicines:

• Cough suppressants, which reduce a dry cough by blocking the coughing reflex.
• Cough expectorants, which help thin and bring up mucus from a wet cough and lubricate the respiratory tract.

It is not recommended that people use cough suppressants for a cough that brings up mucus. When the lining of the bronchial tubes is inflamed by irritants, excess mucus is produced, causing frequent coughing. Coughing up the mucus helps to remove the irritants from the lungs and airways.

A 2014 Cochrane review found no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of over-the-counter cough medicines.

There is little evidence to suggest that cough medicines are any more effective than home remedies. A home remedy of honey and lemon is likely to have the same outcome.

It is not recommended to give infants up to 12 months of age honey due to the risk of infant botulism.

8. Using pursed-lip breathing

People with chronic bronchitis often breathe fast. A breathing method called pursed-lip breathing may help slow down the breathing pace and control shortness of breath.

The method works by reducing how often a breath is taken, which keeps the airways open for a longer period. Since pursed-lip breathing lets more air flow in and out of the lungs, it allows the person to be more physically active.

To do pursed-lip breathing, a person should first take a breath in through the nostrils for two counts. They should then breathe out slowly and gently through slightly pursed lips, as if going to kiss someone, while counting to four.

9. Soothing a sore throat

A common symptom of bronchitis is a sore throat. There are many ways to soothe a sore throat including:

• gargling saltwater
• drinking cool or warm fluids
• eating cool and soft foods
• sucking lozenges, hard candy, ice cubes, or ice pops. Lozenges can be purchased in pharmacies or online.
• using over-the-counter lozenges and sprays, which can be purchased online.
• taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Caregivers should not give children under 4 years anything small and hard to suck due to the risk of choking.

10. Taking nutrition and dietary supplements

There is some evidence that supplements may benefit people with bronchitis. People should get advice from a healthcare provider when considering supplements. Some supplements interact with medicines or have side effects.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. One review found that NAC could help prevent sudden worsening of chronic bronchitis symptoms.

Probiotics are live microorganisms. When consumed as food or supplements, they are thought to maintain or restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Probiotics may regulate the immune system. Probiotics have been shown to be better than placebo in preventing respiratory tract infections and may have a beneficial effect on the duration and severity of symptoms in acute bronchitis.

Different probiotic supplements are available to purchase in health food stores and online.

Bronchitis Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia: How are they Different?

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchioles (air-carrying tubes in the lungs) are inflamed and make too much mucus. There are two basic types of bronchitis:

• Chronic bronchitis is defined as cough productive of sputum that persists for three months out of the year for at least two consecutive years. The cough and inflammation may be caused by initial respiratory infection or illness, exposure to tobacco smoke or other irritating substances in the air. Chronic bronchitis can cause airflow obstruction and then is grouped under the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Acute or short-term bronchitis is more common and usually is caused by a viral infection. Episodes of acute bronchitis can be related to and made worse by smoking. Acute bronchitis could last for 10 to 14 days, possibly causing symptoms for three weeks.

Excess mucus in the bronchial tubes

What is the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?

In terms of symptoms, these two diseases may seem very similar. Both cause cough, fever, fatigue, and a heavy feeling in your chest. Bronchitis can sometimes progress to pneumonia.

Despite similarities, the conditions are different. First, bronchitis involves the bronchial tubes, while pneumonia affects the alveoli, or the air sacs in the lungs. Second, pneumonia symptoms are usually much worse. In addition, pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in older people and other vulnerable groups.

If your symptoms do not get better in a week or so, it is best to contact your doctor.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes bronchitis?

Usually, acute bronchitis is brought on by a viral infection, though it may also be caused by a bacterial infection. The flu and colds are examples of viral infections.

Chronic bronchitis is usually, but not always, caused by smoking tobacco. It can also be caused by exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, or toxic gases. Your risk can be increased by family history of bronchitis, having asthma and allergies, and having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Symptoms of bronchitis include:

• A cough that is frequent and produces mucus.
• A lack of energy.
• A wheezing sound when breathing (may or may not be present).
• A fever (may or may not be present).
• Shortness of breath.

Is bronchitis contagious?

Acute bronchitis can be contagious because it is usually caused by infection with a virus or bacteria. Chronic bronchitis is not likely to be contagious because it is a condition usually caused by long-term irritation of airways.

How long are you contagious if you have acute bronchitis?

If you have begun taking antibiotics for bronchitis, you usually stop being contagious 24 hours after starting the medication. If you have a viral form of bronchitis, antibiotics will not work. You will be contagious for at least a few days and possibly for as long as a week.

How is acute bronchitis spread?

If bronchitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it is spread the same ways that colds are spread—by germs traveling through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. You can breathe the germs in if you are close enough. You could also touch something that has germs on it, like a door, and then transfer the germs by touching your nose, mouth or eyes. That is why good hand washing practices are important for adults and children.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will do a physical examination and take a medical history. They may ask if you have had a cold recently, how long your cough has lasted, and if you produce mucus when you cough. In addition, they may order a chest X-ray, tests for viruses in your upper respiratory secretions or blood tests.

Management and Treatment

How is bronchitis treated?

The treatment for bronchitis depends on what type you have. If you have acute bronchitis, you might not need any treatment. Or you might use over-the-counter drugs that break up mucus or that treat fever or pain. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.

If you have chronic bronchitis, treatment will be different. Chronic bronchitis, considered to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is not curable. Symptoms can be treated using a variety of methods, including drugs, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, surgery, or a combination of these. Your doctor might prescribe a mucus clearing device, also called an airway clearance device, to help you bring up mucus easily.

What medications are used to treat chronic bronchitis/COPD?

Drug classes that may be used to treat chronic bronchitis/COPD include:

• Antibiotics to treat worsening coughs, breathlessness, and mucus production caused by infections.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids (also called steroids), to reduce swelling and mucus output. Steroids can have many different types of side effects, including swelling in feet and hands, mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain, trouble sleeping, and more serious ones such as diabetes, higher risk of infections, osteoporosis, and cataracts.
• Bronchodilators to keep muscles around the airways relaxed so that airways stay open. There are long-acting and short-acting bronchodilators. Short-acting products are often called rescue drugs because they act quickly, but wear off in a couple of hours.
• Combination drugs that contain a mix of steroids and long- or short-acting bronchodilators

How can I take care of myself?

If you have bronchitis, you might consider these home remedies:

• Drink fluids every one to two hours, unless your doctor has restricted your fluid intake.
• Rest.
• Don’t smoke. Stay away from all kinds of smoke.
• Relieve body aches by taking aspirin or acetaminophen.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on ways to help you clear your mucus.
• If you have a cough that is severe or keeps you from sleeping, your doctor may prescribe a cough medicine to suppress (or quiet) your cough. If you have a dry cough or difficulty coughing out the mucus, your doctor may also prescribe an expectorant to help loosen and cough out the mucus.
• If you have a moist, productive cough (with mucus), note how often you cough, as well as the color and amount of the sputum (mucus). Report this to your doctor.
• Use a humidifier.
• Try herbal teas or lemon water with 1-2 tablespoons of honey to provide comfort.

Prevention

What can I do to reduce my risk of getting bronchitis?

• Don’t smoke.
• Insist that others do not smoke in your home.
• Stay away from or try to reduce your time around things that irritate your airway (nose, throat, and lungs). Irritants can include dust, mold, pet dander, air pollution, smoke, and cleaners.
• If you catch a cold, get plenty of rest.
• Take your medicine exactly the way your doctor tells you.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. If you are not able to use soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
• Make sure you are up-to-date on the flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for people with bronchitis?

People who have acute bronchitis generally have very few problems with their recovery as long as they get the treatment they need. You can expect to stay home from work or school for a few days while you are recovering.

Although chronic bronchitis/COPD cannot be cured, its symptoms can be treated and your quality of life can be improved. Your prognosis, or outlook, for the future will depend on how well your lungs are functioning and your symptoms. It will also depend on how well you respond to and follow your treatment plan.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

It is often difficult to know whether you have a cold, bronchitis, or pneumonia because symptoms are similar. See your healthcare provider if you have:

• A cold that lasts more than two to three weeks.
• A fever greater than 102° F.
• A fever that lasts more than five days.
• A cough that produces blood.
• Any shortness of breath or wheezing.
• A change in the color of mucus.

If you have chronic bronchitis/COPD, choose lifestyle and activity changes that promote mental and physical health. Tips include:

• Working as long as you are able to do so.
• Managing your emotional health. Talk to a counselor if you need to do so. Make positive changes, like going outside, staying involved with friends and hobbies, getting a good night’s sleep and following suggestions of your healthcare provider.
• Being a partner in your healthcare plan.
• Asking for support from family and friends.
• Managing stress by exercising and practicing relaxation methods.
• Eating well.

What Conditions Can Nebulizers Treat?

NEBULIZER FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Managing cystic fibrosis (CF) often requires several inhaled medications to be used in combination with each other in order to increase the function of the lungs. A nebulizer is an invaluable medical device for patients who require several medicines in treatment. Patients with CF typically require bronchodilators, hypertonic saline, steroids, and antibiotics. It’s also important to note that using a nebulizer that can be easily cleaned and disinfected is crucial for patients suffering from CF, as they are much more susceptible to germs. Vibrating mesh nebulizers are perfect for this, as they do not include tubes and challenging to clean components. 

RESPIRATORY INFECTION NEBULIZER

No one is immune to respiratory infections, especially during flu season. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone who is immunosuppressed could find themselves with a respiratory infection that requires treatment with a nebulizer. Nebulizers are useful because they can deliver antibiotics straight to the lungs, helping your body to fight infection quickly. They’re also simple to use, making the treatment of young children and the elderly comfortable and straightforward.

NEBULIZER FOR BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to your lungs. It causes a cough that can produce mucus, as well as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a fever. Fortunately, bronchitis symptoms can be treated with a nebulizer by inhaling albuterol to help dilate your bronchial tubes. As the inflammation in your airways is reduced, it becomes much easier to breathe and provides relief from the exacerbating symptoms.

HOW TO CHOOSE A NEBULIZER FOR YOUR HEALTH CONDITION

If you’re suffering from breathing problems and have been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider. Portable nebulizers are a convenient and effective way to treat many respiratory illnesses and can help you keep your symptoms under control. At AireHealth, we offer an innovative nebulizer product that can meet your needs—whether you require a compact and portable nebulizer that you can use on-the-go, or an app-connected nebulizer that integrates with your smart phone and helps you track your treatment—we’ve got you covered.

Inhalers to Treat Bronchitis

Inhalers deliver medicines that can improve your ability to breathe. In bronchitis, they are usually prescribed only for chronic bronchitis and severe cases of acute bronchitis. Inhalers contain medicines that treat bronchitis symptoms in different ways and have various side effects.

Let’s review bronchitis first and then dive into the different inhaler treatments commonly prescribed for bronchitis.

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What Is Bronchitis?

During bronchitis, the bronchi, the tubes that lead from your mouth to your lungs, swell up and start producing protective mucus that triggers coughing. Bronchitis symptoms include: 

• A cough that keeps you up at night
• A sore or tight chest from coughing
• A sore throat from coughing
• Lingering tiredness, headaches, and body aches 
• A low-grade fever

There are two main kinds of bronchitis—acute and chronic. They differ based on what has triggered the swelling in the bronchi.

A viral or bacterial infection usually causes acute bronchitis. Your illness will likely start with a cold that lasts a few days, then develop into a long-lasting cough. The cough should be improving by around three weeks after the initial cold. Acute bronchitis is also called a chest cold.

Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by exposure to pollutants or irritants, like tobacco smoke. It can get worse over time, and so it needs to be treated. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Chronic bronchitis is more likely to cause wheezing and a whistling or squeaking sound while breathing. While chronic bronchitis itself isn’t contagious, it can lead to frequent colds and flu and other respiratory illnesses that can spread to other people.

Diagnosis

If you think you have acute bronchitis caused by an infection, you probably don’t need to see a doctor. These infections usually heal on their own and get better without prescription treatment or intervention. There are a couple of instances in which you probably should seek out care for acute bronchitis:

• A temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Bloody mucus comes up when coughing
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• More than three weeks of symptoms without improvement 
• A cough that goes away and comes back

For chronic bronchitis, you’ll want to see a doctor and get treatment before your symptoms get worse and limit your breathing further.  

When you see a doctor for either chronic bronchitis or complications of acute bronchitis, they will do a visual examination of your throat, feel your lymph nodes in your neck for swelling, and listen to your lungs with their stethoscope.

They may do lab tests, including blood tests and lung function tests, and imaging tests, like a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan to check if bronchitis has become pneumonia. They’ll ask you about your medical history, family history, and your symptoms.

Treatment Options

Treatment for acute bronchitis typically includes rest, drinking fluids, and using a humidifier to keep your breathing passages clear. If your coughing is disrupting sleep, you can use cough suppressants or expectorants (formulations that contain the active ingredient guaifenesin) from the drugstore to relieve it.

For a sore throat, you can suck on lozenges, hard candy, or ice pops. If you have pain or a fever, try over-the-counter pain relievers to feel better, including:

• Aspirin
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Aleve (naproxen)

Antibiotics are discouraged for acute bronchitis because only a small percentage of cases are caused by bacteria rather than viruses. When appropriate, an antibiotic might help your body fight off the bacteria causing the infection but won’t help break up mucus or soothe night coughing.

If you have excessive wheezing, trouble breathing, or have chronic bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe you one or more inhalers as a treatment option for your bronchitis. Inhalers deliver medicine right into your lungs, where they can help reduce swelling and open up your bronchi.

There are various options for inhalants that your doctor may prescribe, based on your condition, your infection, and your long-term prognosis. These inhaled medications act in different ways and have different side effects.

Most of these inhaled medications are prescribed for chronic bronchitis or COPD, which gets progressively more severe and can be deadly. Which medications you’re prescribed will depend on how severe your chronic bronchitis is.

Beta-2 Agonists

Short-acting beta-2 agonists like albuterol may be used for bronchitis when the patient is wheezing or having trouble breathing. This might happen with either chronic or acute bronchitis.

Beta-2 agonists relieve the symptoms of wheezing and trouble breathing by acting as a bronchodilator—widening the opening of the bronchi so they let more air into your lungs.

A Cochrane report updated in 2015 suggests that regular prescription of beta-2 agonists isn’t useful for most acute bronchitis patients and is not useful in children with bronchitis. They do seem to help patients with wheezing or whose swollen bronchi are obstructing their breathing. They can help these patients breathe easier.

Side effects of these medications include tremors, shakiness, and nervousness.

Inhaled Corticosteroids 

Inhaled corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed for chronic bronchitis and COPD. They are not used as monotherapy for COPD. They are used in conjunction with long-acting bronchodilators for severe disease (FEV1 <50%) or patients with frequent exacerbations.

They work by reducing inflammation in the lungs, preventing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest.  

A review found that high-dose inhaled corticosteroids can improve symptoms in those with chronic bronchitis as a part of COPD. They can slow down the rate of decline in quality of life and reduce the frequency of attacks. But they do not have a consistent long-term benefit in decreasing the loss of breathing capacity or risk of death.

Side effects of inhaled steroids include thrush in the mouth, hoarseness, and increased risk of developing pneumonia.

Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists

Long-acting beta-2 agonists are used for moderate-to-severe chronic bronchitis when it interferes with the ability of the patient to breathe. Instead of the short-acting beta-2 agonists, which are used only during an attack, these prescription inhalers are used daily to prevent flare-ups.

They act on the muscles in the lungs to relax them, opening the airways. Long-acting beta-2 agonists are often prescribed in combination with inhaled steroids for daily preventive treatment for chronic bronchitis and COPD.

Side effects of long-acting beta-2 agonists are similar to those of short-acting beta-2 agonists. They include tremors, shakiness, and nervousness, along with headache, increased heart rate, dizziness, anxiety, and a rash.

Nebulizers 

Sometimes inhaled medications given in the hospital or at home are delivered through a nebulizer, which lets a patient inhale the medication as a mist. A nebulizer can provide medication through a mask and doesn’t require the coordinated breathing of an inhaler.

They’re sometimes recommended for asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD patients who have a very low ability to breathe in. A nebulizer could deliver any of the above inhaler medications if that works better for you. The medications would have the same side effects as taken through an inhaler.

A Word From Verywell

Cases of acute bronchitis usually clear up without these types of medications. Chronic bronchitis may be managed in a number of ways by a health professional, which is why it’s important to maintain a relationship with your provider and manage your condition appropriately.

Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking or reducing your exposure to secondhand smoke or other irritants, can also help prevent your chronic bronchitis from getting worse and reduce your need for inhalers and other treatments.

Physical activity can help strengthen your lungs, so talk to your doctor about your options. Prevent future infections by getting vaccines for the flu and pneumonia.

Breathing Treatments – Nebulizer Treatments

Breathing treatments help you breathe better by treating wheezing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory problems. Breathing treatments involve inhaling medications in a mist form using a nebulizer device. Your doctor may recommend breathing treatments to treat asthma, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, severe allergic reactions, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  

Breathing treatments, or nebulizer treatments, are only one method of treating respiratory diseases. Respiratory inhalers and oral and intravenous (IV) medications are other methods of treating respiratory problems. Discuss all the treatment options with your doctor to understand which choices are best for you.

Types of breathing treatments

Breathing treatments include medications that treat respiratory infections, chronic lung diseases, asthma attacks, and respiratory emergencies. Types of breathing treatments include:

• Antimicrobial medications to treat respiratory infections. Examples include pentamidine (Nebupent), ribavirin (Virazole), and tobramycin (TOBI).

• Bronchodilator medications to help relax and open airways. Examples include ipratropium (Atrovent)and metaproterenol (Alupent).

• Combination medications include ipratropium/albuterol (DuoNeb)

• Corticosteroids (steroids) to reduce airway inflammation. Budesonide (Pulmicort Respules) is an example.

• Mucolytics to loosen, thin, and help clear mucus secretions from the lungs. Examples include acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme).

• Short-acting beta agonists are bronchodilators that relax and open your narrowed airways. Examples include albuterol sulfate (AccuNeb) and levalbuterol HCl (Xopenex).

• Long-acting beta agonists are bronchodilators that you use in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Examples include arformoterol (Brovana) and formoterol (Perforomist).

• Racemic epinephrine to treat severe asthma attacks, croup, and other emergency breathing situations

Other procedures that may be performed

Your doctor will likely prescribe one or more additional treatments and procedures to manage your respiratory disease and breathing problems. These will vary depending on the specific disease, the severity of the disease, your medical history, your age, and other factors. Treatments and procedures may include:

• Allergy testing and allergy treatments for people with allergic asthma

• Arterial blood gas test to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and other factors in the blood

• Chest X-ray and CT scan to diagnose respiratory diseases and other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, that may occur with respiratory diseases and make them worse

• Intubation and ventilation for exhaustion or respiratory arrest due to severe respiratory disease

• IV antibiotics to treat an acute infection, such as bacterial bronchitis or bacterial pneumonia

• Pulmonary (lung) function tests to evaluate breathing and lung function and help diagnose and manage respiratory diseases. Tests include spirometry and bronchoprovocation testing.

• Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in the blood

• Supplemental oxygen to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood

90,000 treatment in Moscow, symptoms and diagnosis of bronchitis, Clinical Hospital on Yauza

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease with inflammation of the bronchi (medium to large airways) and can be a complication of the common cold or flu virus. If left untreated, it can lead to pneumonia. Treatment of bronchitis should be carried out by a specialist after a comprehensive diagnosis.

A viral or bacterial respiratory infection that causes an acute form of bronchitis means that this type of illness is contagious.Chronic bronchitis is not infectious because a deep cough usually results from prolonged contact with an irritant.

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Clinical manifestations of bronchitis

In the clinical picture of bronchitis, the leading one is the cough syndrome. However, depending on the infectious agent, the state of the macroorganism and the localization and extent of the lesion, various combinations of intoxication syndrome and respiratory failure can be added.

Symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include breathing problems such as productive cough with clear, white, yellow, or green mucus. A characteristic feature is a wheezing or wheezing sound when breathing.

Bronchitis symptoms may also include:

• chills and muscle pains;
• a characteristic decrease in appetite;
• a feeling of tightness in the chest;
• decrease in body temperature;

90,023 runny nose, nasal congestion;

• pain in the throat.

Even after the other symptoms of acute bronchitis have disappeared, the cough can last for several weeks as the bronchi heal and the swelling subsides. In chronic bronchitis, the cough lasts at least 3 months and comes back for at least 2 years in a row.

In obstructive bronchitis, there is difficulty in breathing and wheezing, similar to those that occur in patients with asthma. In this case, a dry cough lasts for 1-4 weeks.

If fever or shortness of breath has joined the general symptoms, call an ambulance to discuss whether it could be COVID-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Causes of the disease

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection similar to the viruses that cause colds and flu. Rarely, bacterial infections are the cause. In both cases, as the body fights germs, the bronchi swell and produce more mucus. This is accompanied by characteristic breathing difficulties.

Causes of chronic bronchitis include:

1. Inhalation of contaminated air, chemical vapors or dust.
2. Long-term smoking

High risks of developing bronchitis are present not only among smokers and people working in hazardous conditions. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics have a predisposition, as well as people with a weak immune system. Bronchitis is a frequent companion of the elderly and those who suffer from chronic diseases.

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Diagnostic Methods

It is recommended to consult a doctor for coughing if the body temperature rises to 38 ° C for more than 3 days, in the presence of dizziness and excessive fatigue.It is imperative to visit a specialist if blood streaks appear in the sputum or chest pains occur.

When contacting a specialist, a visual and physical examination is carried out. The doctor takes a medical history. Diagnosis of acute bronchitis presupposes the exclusion of other acute and chronic diseases similar in terms of syndromes.

To determine the type of bronchitis, the doctor prescribes:

• Chest X-ray. It is carried out if the patient has elevated body temperature to exclude pneumonia.
• Bronchoscopy. A diagnostic procedure is needed to obtain a sample of mucus (sputum). The test identifies the causative agent of the disease and allows you to prescribe an effective treatment.
• Spirometry. This is a test for your lung function. It measures how much air the lungs can hold and the rate of exhalation. The test detects the presence of comorbid asthma or other breathing problems.

A comprehensive blood test is mandatory to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.An electrocardiogram is performed as an additional diagnostic procedure.

Doctors of the Clinical Hospital on Yauza will carry out all the necessary diagnostic measures and prescribe the best treatment in each case. We treat both bronchitis in adults and bronchitis in children.

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Treatment of acute bronchitis

Do not be surprised if your doctor simply recommends rest and plenty of fluids (8-12 glasses a day). Acute bronchitis will often go away on its own.Do not self-medicate, as this can cause complications.

Treatment of bronchitis includes:

1. Expectorants or antitussives (depending on the presence / absence of sputum).
2. Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen) to relieve general well-being. Aspirin is not recommended for children. Acetaminophen can be taken to relieve pain and lower body temperature.
3. Bronchodilators (inhaled medicines that help open the airways).

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that treat bacterial infections. But acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection. Antibiotics don’t help fight viruses. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed in a course of 5-10 days only if bacteria are the cause of bronchitis.

An attack of acute bronchitis can make breathing harder if there are associated respiratory problems. Allergies, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cause the airways to narrow.In the presence of these conditions, it becomes necessary to use a nebulizer and other procedures. Oxygen therapy is prescribed to improve breathing.

Attention! There are contraindications for use. It is necessary to consult a specialist.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis

Therapy is aimed at reducing symptoms. Lifestyle changes are often recommended for symptom control. It’s about proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.Pulmonary rehabilitation can also be helpful for many people with chronic bronchitis.

In some cases, doctors will recommend medications that can come in various forms, including:

• inhalers and breathing procedures;
• mucolytic drugs;
• steroids;
• bronchodilators.

It should be noted that the most important stage in the treatment of patients with chronic bronchitis is outpatient treatment.

In chronic bronchitis, breathing exercises and massage are effective. Additional procedures improve blood circulation, improve sputum discharge and relieve tone. Respiratory gymnastics is effective against shortness of breath and is performed to restore breathing.

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Preventive measures

Recommendations to help avoid or reduce the risk of developing both acute and chronic bronchitis:

• Maintain good hygiene and wash your hands regularly.
• Smoking cessation and wearing a mask to prevent lung irritation and reduce airway inflammation.
• Vaccination against lung infections will keep you healthy all year round.

Even with treatment, the cough can last for several weeks. It should become softer and drier every day. Symptoms of the disease disappear gradually. If the signs of bronchitis do not disappear with the observance of medical prescriptions, then there is a need for a second visit to the doctor.After all, it could be a bacterial infection or other breathing problems that make it difficult to overcome acute bronchitis.

To improve the effectiveness of the treatment of bronchitis, you should stop smoking and exclude alcohol. Hypothermia is not allowed. In the room in which the patient is located, you need to constantly humidify the air. If the disease is of an allergic nature, then contact with the pathogen must be excluded.

Sources

1. https: // www. rmj.ru/articles/pulmonologiya/Lechenie_hronicheskogo_bronhita/
2. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/ostryy-bronhit
3. https://www.rmj.ru/articles/pulmonologiya/Ostryy_bronhit_diagnostika_differencialynaya_diagnostika_racionalynaya_terapiya/

The article was checked by the physician-rheumatologist Borodin OO, is of a general informational nature, does not replace the consultation of a specialist.
For recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, a doctor’s consultation is required.

Rehabilitation after bronchitis in adults

Bronchitis is an infectious disease, the clinical picture of which depends on the pathogen, the size of the lesion of the bronchopulmonary apparatus and the drugs used in treatment. In this case, a decrease in immunity occurs, which in turn can lead to a relapse of the disease or its transition to a chronic state. Therefore, when treating bronchitis, the doctor individually selects a full range of measures aimed at the speedy recovery of the patient.

Methods of rehabilitation

1. Physical activity: hiking in a forested area, skiing. But you should not immediately start intensive training, in the first days it is enough to walk a distance of 3 km. At the same time, it is not recommended to go outside in wet and windy weather or if the air temperature has dropped to -15 degrees.
2. Exercise therapy and breathing exercises. The set of exercises is selected by the doctor, he also controls the technique of execution, determines the level of load and gradually increases it.
3. Physiotherapy, in particular inhalation, electrophoresis, laser treatment, magnetic therapy.
4. Massage is most effective in combination with physiotherapy exercises. The procedure improves the drainage function of the lungs, blood circulation and gas exchange.
5. Proper nutrition. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe a diet. It allows you to restore strength and normalize bowel function, especially if the patient has had bronchitis and has been taking antibiotics for a long time.

An individual rehabilitation program for each patient should be drawn up by a doctor, taking into account the patient’s age, the characteristics of the disease and the presence of concomitant pathologies. After lowering the temperature and stopping the acute period, it is necessary to start classes in parallel with antibiotic therapy and continue them until complete recovery.

Adult patients can make an appointment with a doctor at the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki, and our specialist will draw up a rehabilitation program so that you can return to your usual way of life as soon as possible.As a rule, treatment takes place within the framework of a day hospital. Find out more by phone in Moscow: +7 495 488-89-25.

Tasks of recovery after bronchitis

In case of bronchitis due to the inflammatory process, respiratory function is impaired, therefore the rehabilitation period consists of several stages:

1. Anti-inflammatory treatment (prescription of antibiotic therapy, NSAIDs).
2. Restoration of the drainage function of the bronchi (intake of mucolytics, nebulizer and inhalation therapy, massage).
3. Improvement of blood and lymph circulation (prescription of antiplatelet agents, medical massage, physiotherapy procedures).
4. Strengthening the muscular system in the bronchi (breathing exercises and exercise therapy).
5. Immunity enhancement (complete dietary nutrition, prescription of vitamins and immunomodulators).

All of the above measures are aimed at preventing the recurrence of bronchitis and eliminating the residual manifestations of the disease.

How to get rid of dry cough with inhalation?

Read this article:

1. Why does a dry cough appear?
2. How does inhalation work on dry cough?
3. When can and cannot use a nebulizer?
4. What drugs are inhaled?
5. Rules of Procedure
6. Nebulizers for dry cough inhalation
7. How to deal with dry cough effectively and safely?

Dry cough is often a companion of ENT diseases, colds and other pathologies. Such an obsessive symptom is uncomfortable and can be really debilitating. But for the treatment of such conditions, there are quite effective methods.

Why does a dry cough appear?

To begin with, it is worth deciding on the very concept of dry cough. Its main differences from the productive one are the absence of mucous secretions and localization. A dry cough forms in the larynx, and a wet cough forms inside the chest.

Inflammation, allergies, or a virus irritate the back wall of the larynx.A signal is sent to the brain that triggers a cough reflex to clear the airways. As a result, irritation of the laryngeal mucosa increases, which leads to the formation of another wave of coughing. It turns out a vicious circle.

When a dry cough appears, it is important to identify its cause in order to find an adequate treatment. The symptom can manifest itself with inflammation of the larynx or with the penetration of the virus into the lower part of the respiratory system. Sometimes in this way the body reacts to external stimuli, internal pathologies, allergens.Drugs and treatment methods should be selected by a doctor after diagnostic procedures.

How does inhalation work on dry coughs?

Inhalation is one of the most effective methods for curing dry cough. Several decades ago, the so-called “steam inhalation” was used – over a container with a special broth.

But this method is quite dangerous, as it can cause burns to the skin and respiratory tract. You cannot breathe steam when the body temperature rises, infectious lesions of the skin of the face or mucous membranes in the mouth.

But with the advent of special devices – nebulizers – the danger of inhalation has been reduced to zero. Such devices do not generate hot steam, the active substance is brought to an aerosol state using a compressor, a vibrating membrane or ultrasonic waves.

Inhalation procedures for dry cough provide many advantages :

• This is the safest method of treatment, since the sprayed preparation affects only the respiratory system, without causing undesirable effects on the part of the digestive and other organs.
• Inhalation is very effective in combating dry cough.
• When performing the procedure from the first symptoms, the period of the course of the disease is significantly reduced.
• Inhalation of the smallest particles of the drug facilitates the release of sputum, softens the development of the pathological process, and reduces the frequency and severity of seizures.
• With the help of a nebulizer, inhalation can be done without a visit to the clinic, at home.
• Inhalation is suitable for people of any age, the main thing is to choose the right drug and dosage.

In an inhaler-nebulizer, the active substance breaks down into small particles that enter the respiratory system and act on the mucous membranes. This affects large areas of the respiratory system, including the lowest parts. The drugs successfully fight bacteria and microbes, suppress their growth, and eliminate bronchospasm.

When can and cannot use a nebulizer?

Inhalation with a nebulizer is performed for almost any ENT diseases:

• bronchitis in acute, chronic, obstructive forms;
• pneumonia;
• tonsillitis;
• laryngitis;
• tracheitis;
• viral lesions of the respiratory system;
• infectious diseases.

There are few contraindications for this procedure. These include a tendency to nosebleeds, respiratory or heart failure, and hypertension. You can not perform inhalations with hemoptysis, individual drug intolerance, during or after myocardial infarction, cerebral stroke.

What drugs are inhaled?

To combat dry cough, several groups of inhalation solutions are used:

• Saline;
• Saline;
• Compositions with bronchodilators;
• Expectorants;
• Antiseptic drugs and antibiotics.

Saline and alkaline solutions are considered the safest but most effective remedies. The substances they contain help to moisturize the mucous membrane, soften the cough, and make the mucus thinner so that it can come out more easily during coughing. For this purpose, soda solutions are mainly used.

Inhalations with salt solutions are carried out no more than 5 times a day. The duration of each procedure is 5-10 minutes, about 4 ml of solution is poured into the nebulizer. Inhalation of such substances is not contraindicated in children of any age and pregnant women.

A saline solution of sodium chloride (sodium chloride solution) is sold by pharmacies in finished form. When inhaled, this agent is used in its pure form or is used for mixing with medicines. The saline solution has an antiseptic effect, reduces the degree of tissue swelling, and fights microbes. For inhalation, you will need 2-4 ml of solution.

Bronchodilators are prescribed to block the inflammatory process, relieve edema, expand the lumen of the bronchi, and accelerate the release of sputum.These drugs include Nebutamol, Ventolin, Berotek, Berodual.

Expectorants are necessary for difficult excretion of phlegm and unproductive cough. They are characterized by anti-inflammatory effect, thinning of the mucous substrate, facilitating its release. Drugs of this type are Mukolvan, Ambrobene, Ambroxol, ACC, Lazolvan. They are used exclusively for the doctor’s prescription, who determines the dosage and frequency of inhalation. To prepare the composition for the nebulizer, saline is required.

When a cough is caused by the action of bacteria, inhalations are carried out with Dioxicin, Gentamicin, Furacilin, Miramistin and other antibiotics. Self-medication is unacceptable here; medical recommendations must be followed exactly.

Rules of Procedure

In order for the inhalation effect with a dry cough to give the desired effect, it is necessary to follow some rules:

• The procedure is performed after meals, at least 1.5 hours after exercise;
• Do not smoke, eat or drink for at least an hour after inhalation;
• It is undesirable to smoke 1 hour before inhalation;
• In ENT diseases, inhalation is taken through the mouth and nose at the same time;
• Clothing should be loose enough so as not to interfere with the breathing process;
• The nebulizer must be disinfected before use.

Inhalation is performed in a sitting position, in a calm state. After the procedure, it is advisable not to talk for about 20 minutes.

Nebulizers for dry cough inhalation

Inhalations for dry cough are performed with various types of nebulizers. Each has its own characteristics. The most common device is compressor , the spraying of the medicinal composition is carried out under the action of a special mechanism.

The second type – mesh-inhalers , working on the principle of membrane vibration under the action of ultrasound.

How to deal with dry cough effectively and safely?

To effectively combat dry cough, inhalation should be carried out, observing the rules for using the device, performing the procedure and medical recommendations. Then the treatment will be effective and will not cause side effects.

Bronchoscopy – Endoscopy – Patient guide – Help

Bronchoscopy (from ancient Greek βρόγχος – windpipe, trachea and σκοπέω – look, consider, observe), also called tracheobronchoscopy, is a method of direct examination and assessment of the state of the mucous membranes of the tracheobronchial tree: the trachea and bronchi, with indications and the larynx using a special device – a fiberoptic bronchoscope or a video bronchoscope – the latest generation of endoscopes. A modern bronchoscope is a complex device consisting of a flexible rod with a controlled bend at the far end, a control handle and a lighting cable connecting the endoscope with a light source, equipped with a video camera, as well as manipulators for biopsy and removal of foreign bodies.

Is one of the most informative instrumental methods for examining the trachea and bronchi, if necessary, the larynx, is used to visually assess the state of the tracheobronchial tree, identify endoscopic symptoms of lung diseases, and obtain material for laboratory research.Bronchoscopy is carried out: for patients in preparation for lung surgery, during the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases to clarify the diagnosis, develop therapeutic tactics, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. In case of bronchitis with abundant sputum, medical BS is used to remove the contents from the bronchi and administer drugs. Bronchoscopy is important in the diagnosis of early forms of cancer of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, is actively used to identify and remove foreign bodies from the bronchial tree in case of accidental inhalation (aspiration) of them.

PREPARATION FOR RESEARCH:

Before bronchoscopy, an x-ray or computed tomography of the chest organs should be performed, or fluorography, ECG-these analyzes and an outpatient card should be brought with you.
The endoscopist doctor should be aware of the presence of diseases in the examined patient (for example, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, a history of heart attack, hormone therapy, antidepressant treatment) and the presence of allergies to drugs.
Bronchoscopy is carried out strictly on an empty stomach in order to avoid accidental throwing of food or liquid residues into the respiratory tract during vomiting or coughing, so the last meal should be no later than 19.00 on the eve of the study. Do not drink water on the day of the study.
You should consult with the doctor who prescribed bronchoscopy about taking mandatory medications (heart medications, to lower blood pressure), notifying the endoscopist about this.
Bronchoscopy is performed in specially designed rooms. It is recommended to take a towel with you, as mucus may be coughing up after the procedure.

DURING RESEARCH:

• Every effort will be made to make the Patient carry it as easily as possible.
• Dentures and piercing jewelry must be removed.
• patients with a bronchospastic component (chronic obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma), immediately before the onset of anesthesia, if necessary, are given an aerosol (salbutamol) inhalation from an individual dispenser.
• it is necessary to take off outerwear or loosen the collar (unfasten the buttons).
• local anesthesia of the nasal cavity and oropharynx mucosa is performed to eliminate painful sensations when passing the endoscope through the nose and suppress the cough reflex

Bronchoscopy is performed in a sitting position. The doctor inserts the endoscope into the airway under visual control, gradually examining the underlying parts of the tracheobronchial tree on both sides. The device is usually inserted through the nasal passage, but in some cases it can be inserted into the airways and through the mouth. The diameter of the endoscope is significantly less than the lumen of the trachea and bronchi, so there should be no difficulty in breathing. The doctor examines the surface of the pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Then the bronchoscope is removed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:

• The study ahead of you is an invasive instrumental intervention and, despite the relatively low level of side effects and the most sparing implementation, it still carries the risk of certain complications: among them are damage to the bronchial wall, pneumothorax, bleeding after biopsy, bronchospasm, pneumonia, allergic reactions.

In the event of the above complications, it may be necessary to consult an anesthesiologist-resuscitator, and, if necessary, hospitalization.

AFTER END OF INTERVENTION:

• There is a feeling of numbness, slight nasal congestion, a lump in the throat and a slight difficulty in swallowing saliva due to anesthesia. These sensations disappear within an hour.
• Food can be taken after the sensation of numbness in the tongue and throat has completely passed to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea.

If a biopsy was performed, the time of the meal will be determined by the doctor.

CONSEQUENCES AND COMPLICATIONS OF BRONCHOSCOPY:

• Feeling of numbness, slight nasal congestion, feeling of a “lump” in the throat and slight difficulty in swallowing saliva resulting from anesthesia disappear, usually within an hour. Eating should be done after the numbness in the tongue and throat has completely passed to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea. This usually takes 20-30 minutes.If a biopsy was performed, the time of the meal will be determined by the doctor.

The procedure can be accompanied by serious complications: damage to the bronchial wall, pneumothorax, bleeding after biopsy, bronchospasm, pneumonia, allergic reactions.

Children’s massage for bronchitis | Clinics in Vyborg and Kalininsky districts (Prospekt Enlightenment, Ozerki). Doctor at home

Drainage massage is a fairly effective treatment for acute and chronic respiratory diseases.Together with taking the necessary medications, it promotes the discharge of sputum and speeds up the healing process. The maximum result is achieved by observing some specific rules, so it is best to entrust this procedure to professionals.

Indications

Drainage massage for children is prescribed for the following diseases:

• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• pneumosclerosis
• respiratory failure
• bronchial asthma, etc.

The treatment is recommended for children in cases where sputum difficult to separate has a moist texture. Sputum dilution is facilitated by the medications prescribed by the doctor, as well as the intake of large quantities of warm water.

Contraindications

Massage procedures are not shown to everyone. In some cases, you can not only aggravate the situation, but also get a direct opposite effect. Do not do drainage massage:

1. children under 6 months, because the consequences may not be predictable at such a small age
2. if the child has a high fever, since the procedure increases the blood supply to the bronchi, and the condition may worsen
3. with inflammation of the trachea and larynx, sputum release is difficult, therefore, massage in this case is also not recommended.

Conditions for the massage

In order for the procedure to have the desired effect, it is necessary to create special conditions in the room.

1. The room should be with high air humidity (more than 65%). If you are treating yourself, then you can achieve this condition by putting a damp towel on a hot battery.
2. The room temperature should not be high – no more than 25 degrees.

Drainage massage technique

The main point is the correct position of the child’s body during the procedure. The pelvis should be higher than the head, so a special roller or pillow is placed under it.

Before the main part of the massage, the body must be warmed up. This stage will take about 2 minutes.

The massage process begins with a gentle tapping of the back in each intercostal space. This technique aims to stimulate and facilitate breathing. You can massage with your fingertips or with the whole brush, folding it in the form of a “boat”.

Then the child is placed upright for a few minutes to clear his throat, and the procedure is repeated again.

The following exercise also belongs to the drainage massage – the skin is gently grasped from the lower back and moved upward. The final part consists of light stroking, circular movements.

The whole procedure lasts until redness appears. Then the child must be wrapped in something warm and allowed to rest for 20-30 minutes.

Recommendations

Do not massage more than twice a day. The time of the session must be chosen so as to comply with the following conditions:

• more than 60 minutes must remain before going to bed so that the child does not wake up at night
• at least an hour before the start of a meal
• more than 2-3 hours must pass after of how the child ate.

And most importantly, to perform the first sessions of drainage massage, it is advisable to invite a competent specialist to teach you the correct massage technique. Ideally, the massage therapist provides a full course of therapy. Only he will be able to timely recognize all positive and / or negative clinical changes in the child’s condition and professionally adjust the treatment tactics.

Effectiveness

When coughing in children, drainage massage will help alleviate the general condition, eliminate pain in the chest, improve breathing and speed up recovery.

In addition, systematic manual influence in the chest area allows you to obtain the following results:

• increase in the range of movements of the chest
• strengthen the muscles of the respiratory tract
• increase blood and lymph flow in the lungs
• improve ventilation of the lungs
• prevent the formation of exudate and etc.

Advantages of drainage massage

The advantage of this technique in comparison with vacuum, acupressure and other types of massage for bronchitis in children is the minimum of additional means used, except for the skillful hands of the massage therapist. It is also noted that drainage massage has a positive effect most quickly due to an increase in the cough reflex and an intensive release of the bronchial lumen from viscous sputum.

The technique of baby cough massage is very easy to learn, especially if the learning process is under the supervision of a professional massage therapist. After that, drainage massage can be performed independently, at home and at any time convenient for yourself and your child.

Bronchitis | University ClinicFreiburg

Description

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, which includes the trachea, bronchi and terminal branches of the bronchial tree-bronchioles. Tracheobronchitis often acts as an independent disease of the mucous membrane of the bronchi and trachea. If bronchitis lasts more than three months during a two-year period, then we are talking about its chronic form.

Symptoms

The main symptom of the disease is a hacking, at first dry, then moist cough with sputum production, accompanied by pain in the chest. With inflammation in the cells located in the bronchi, there is an increase in the secretion of viscous mucus, which clogs the airways, which leads to difficulty breathing and causes other symptoms of the disease. These include a cough with sputum production, and general characteristic signs of colds in the form of:

• ailments,
• weakness,
• headache,
• body aches,
• runny nose
• sore throat
• fever.

Causes and risks

In most cases, the causative agent of the disease is a viral infection. In adults, it is mainly represented by:

• influenza viruses,
• parainfluenza,
• rhinovirus,
• adeno-coxsackie –
• or echovirus.

Acute bronchitis in children is often caused by a respiratory syncytial infection, as well as adeno-coxsackie or echoviruses.

Bacteria are much less common causative agents of the disease.In adults, acute bacterial bronchitis often occurs with weak immunity or damage to lung tissue as a result of excessive smoking or inhalation of polluted air. Among the harmful microbes that cause acute bronchitis in adults, streptococci, haemophilus influenzae, moraxella catarrhalis prevail. In children and infants, the disease is caused by Haemophilus influenzae and atypical pathogens such as mycoplasma or chlamydia.

Very rarely, fungal infections can cause acute bronchitis.The most famous type of bronchial damage is the so-called “zoobronchitis”, caused by a yeast of the genus Candida (Candida).

Examination and diagnosis

The first signs indicating the presence of acute bronchitis, the doctor can get already in the course of studying the history and clinical manifestations of the disease. A physical examination of the patient may also reveal airway obstruction. Additionally, as a rule, the ears, paranasal sinuses, pharyngeal and mouth cavities, and lymph nodes in the neck are examined.

Based on the results of a blood test, markers indicating the presence of an inflammatory process are determined:

• CRP (C-reactive protein),
• ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate),
• the number of white blood cells – leukocytes.

These values ​​are often elevated in acute bronchitis.

If pneumonia is suspected, radiography or computed tomography of the respiratory system is recommended.

In order to confirm the diagnosis of bronchial obstruction, the function of external respiration is examined using a spirometry procedure.

In addition, it must be borne in mind that recurrent acute bronchitis can become chronic or cause immunodeficiency.

L bore

In the treatment of acute bronchitis against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, antiviral therapy is used, the purpose of which is to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. In the case of a dry cough, medications can be used to suppress the cough reflex. Expectorants will help to increase the volume of sputum secreted. The simultaneous use of antitussive and expectorant drugs is not recommended, since they are mutually exclusive.Treatment of acute bronchitis with antibiotics is advisable only if bacteria are its causative agents.

To dilute sputum, you must drink plenty of fluids. In addition, you can use inhalation, for example, with saline.

Forecast

Uncomplicated acute bronchitis, as a rule, ends with clinical recovery within 7-14 days, but the cough may persist in some cases even longer.

Complications

Complications of acute bronchitis include pneumonia or secondary bacterial infection.

Bronchitis treatment in Kazan

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. AM Medica specialists will help you quickly cure bronchitis. Treatment in Kazan will be fast, inexpensive and effective – this is fully confirmed by numerous positive reviews.

Features of the development of the disease and treatment of bronchitis

Bronchitis occurs as a result of inflammation of the mucous membrane or walls of the bronchi. The disease can be acute or chronic.The causes of the occurrence lie in the infection. These can be various viruses, bacteria, and intracellular parasites. Sometimes bronchitis occurs due to poisoning with toxic substances. And the action of allergens leads to the appearance of allergic bronchitis.
When a person gets sick with acute respiratory infections or the flu, the airways become inflamed. The infection attacks the bronchi literally from the moment the disease appears. As a result, the bronchi become inflamed, a strong cough appears, which is accompanied by the formation of mucus – treatment of bronchitis should be immediate.
If the outer layers of the walls are affected, then acute bronchitis develops, but after healing from a cold, the structure of the bronchi tends to recover. Chronic bronchitis is another matter. With this form of the disease, the inflammatory process has a slow course, but it covers the bronchi completely, which is the reason for their deformation and narrowing. Chronic cough, in this case, is provided.

Treatment of bronchitis: main symptoms

Regardless of the peculiarities of the course of the disease, the specialist will recommend bed rest, a gentle diet and select drug therapy.

Acute bronchitis is usually accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Increased temperature
• General malaise
• Incessant cough.

And if you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner, then bronchitis can become chronic and not only. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis are not the worst possible diseases.
Treatment of bronchitis depends on its nature. The doctor prescribes both drug treatment and treatment with folk remedies.Antibiotics are prescribed as a last resort. Expectorants and antitussives, inhalations, compresses on the chest are prescribed. Taking vitamins during this period is required. But chronic bronchitis is treated with antibiotics and drugs that can expand the lumen of the bronchi. But the most effective method is a complete rejection of bad habits, in particular, smoking.

Comprehensive professional assistance at AM Medica is an effective treatment for bronchitis.