Chronic obstructive bronchitis can lead to pulmonary insufficiency and, as a result, to hypoxia. The patient's medical history contains data that allow us to assert a slow but sure damage to the lung tissue. At its core, bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, and when it lasts at least 3 months a year, we can already talk about its chronic form.
If the treatment of obstructive bronchitis is not started on time, the amount of sputum becomes more and more difficult to excrete. The cough becomes severe and frequent, and after a few years it is generally continuous. This whole process is accompanied by the loss of epithelial cilia, which are a natural defense against various kinds of microorganisms. As a result, the mucus takes on a purulent yellowish or gray appearance.
Causes of occurrence
Causes of obstructive bronchitisthere can be many, but the most significant pulmonologists call the following:
- Tobacco smoke.
- Respiratory diseases.
- Pathologies of the nasopharynx.
- Disruption of metabolic processes, obesity.
- Genetic predisposition (rare).
- Dirty air. The chance of getting sick is greater in people living in megacities and those who often work with household chemicals, perfumes, paint liquids, etc.
Of course, the presence of any of these factors does not mean one hundred percent disease, but their combination increases the likelihood several times.
Symptoms of disease
At the initial stage of obstructive bronchitis (when the small bronchi are affected), no symptoms may appear at all. Approximately 5-10% of patients may not even cough. When the inflammatory process begins to spread, a cough begins. It is usually most disturbing in the morning. After a certain period of time, the cough becomes hysterical, wet and long-term (sometimes even a whole day). In addition, there is pain in the muscles, sweating and shortness of breath increase. In many cases, such symptoms are recorded in the medical history. Obstructive bronchitis (pediatrics confirms this) may be accompanied by high fever. Of course, against the background of such symptoms, there is also general weakness (the same as with the flu).
Diagnosing
Therapist, pediatrician (if the child is sick) or pulmonologist can make an accurate diagnosis. A patientmust be observed for two consecutive years. During this period, the patient has to take such tests and undergo the following procedures:
- blood test (biochemical, general);
- fluorography (X-ray of the lungs);
- bacteriological sputum culture;
- bronchoscopy.
The last method involves the introduction of a thin tube into the airways, which makes it possible to examine the bronchi.
Although patients do not like this procedure, it is still very necessary, because it can also be used to suck out fluid, take tissue samples for research, and inject the necessary drugs.
Treatment
Identification of obstructive bronchitis involves an urgent rejection of bad habits. Treatment is determined by the doctor on the basis of each specific case. Basically, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, mucolytic and expectorant drugs. In addition, inhalations and lavages are performed (thanks to bronchoscopy).
