We look at the symptoms and treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children. What is this disease? Why is it dangerous? Severe inflammation of the bronchi, which is accompanied by obstruction, is called obstructive bronchitis. In other words, if, as a result of inflammation, the lumen of the bronchi narrows and a large amount of mucus cannot fully exit. All this can lead to respiratory failure and bronchial edema. Also, this is one of the most dangerous forms of bronchitis, and most often it affects children. But among adults, such a diagnosis also exists. We will look at what the danger of this disease is, how to properly recognize and treat it.
Forms of obstructive bronchitis
From the Latin name obstruction is translated as "obstruction" - this is the defeat of the bronchi as a result of the inflammatory process. This disease manifests itself in the form of a cough with phlegm and severe shortness of breath.
Children are more susceptible to this disease and oftensuffer. The most active and severe variety is acute obstructive bronchitis. Such a diagnosis is usually made with a prolonged cough with sputum. But if the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children and adults was successful, then this disease does not return.
And if the therapy turned out to be ineffective, then the pathology aggravates and becomes chronic. Mostly, this condition is characteristic of the more adult half of humanity. This disease has its own characteristics. The chronic form of the pathology proceeds more globally, with damage to the respiratory system. Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in adults are quite unpleasant.
Alveolar tissue is deeply affected - this is fixed in 90% of cases. A broncho-obstructive syndrome is revealed, which can have both stable and reversible changes in the airways. Secondary diffuse emphysema develops. Then hypoxia of blood and tissues begins due to inadequate ventilation of the lungs.
If a viral infection provoked bronchitis, then it can be contagious. And if it is asthmatic or allergic bronchitis, then it is not contagious.
It is extremely important to know that the disease is most often recorded among the population that lives in a humid climate. Such weather conditions are favorable for the development of fungi and viruses, which give rise to recurrent obstructive bronchitis.
How is pathology formed? Under the influence of an unfavorable factor, the cells of the ciliary epithelium gradually die out. And thenthere is a pathological change in the composition and density of mucus. After such a change, the entire bactericidal barrier is lost, and the bronchi are left without protection. And the remaining number of cilia cannot cope with such a flow of sputum and therefore completely slows down the movement. This leads to mucus stagnation.
The severity of development depends on specific criteria and can be of three degrees. The main indicator that allows you to determine the patient's condition is FEV1. This is the volume of strong exhalation that is performed per second. After the indicator is obtained, one of the three stages of the disease is revealed:
- The first stage. FEV1 exceeds 50%. This is chronic obstructive bronchitis, in which no treatment is prescribed. Such a chronic disease does not create any inconvenience to the patient. And the risk of developing disorders is minimal, but, one way or another, the patient must be under the supervision of a doctor.
- Second stage of obstructive bronchitis. FEV1 lowered to 35-49%. This stage of the disease greatly worsens the general well-being of the patient, therefore, sparing treatment and examination by a pulmonologist are carried out.
- Third stage. FEV1 less than 34%. The symptoms are bright, the quality of life is lowered. The patient is required to go to the hospital, in some cases outpatient treatment is allowed.
Depending on how the disease proceeds and what the protective function of the body is, both reversible and irreversible bronchial changes can be detected.
Reversible changes:
- bronchospasm;
- occlusion of the bronchial lumen;
- extensive swelling.
Irreversiblechanges:
- changing bronchial tissue;
- narrowing of the lumen;
- emphysema and impaired air circulation.
Symptoms and treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children are often linked.
Causes of pathology
For the most part, regardless of age, disease develops after pathogens enter the body. But the infection that has penetrated inside does not always increase. In order for a person to get sick, special conditions are necessary.
Recently, more and more people become ill with obstructive bronchitis after exposure to the body of the following factors:
- A poorly functioning immune system.
- Wrong diet.
- Chronic diseases of internal organs or dysbacteriosis.
- Chronic respiratory diseases.
- States of stress. Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in adults are discussed below.
Allergic predisposition in humans also plays a significant role in the development of the disease. For example, if a child has allergic manifestations from an early age, then the chances of getting obstructive bronchitis increase. There are reasons that can contribute to the development of the disease:
- work in a hazardous environment (workers of chemical plants, miners, metallurgists);
- penetration of toxic substances into the lungs;
- smoking for years;
- living in an area with bad ecology.
There are also so-called internalprovocateurs of obstructive bronchitis. The formation of the disease is influenced by the second blood group, which is genetically formed in such a way that a deficiency of immunoglobulin A is manifested, as well as enzyme deficiency.
Adolescents and children, in addition to the main reasons, have several contributing factors. Thus, the risk group includes children who:
- diagnosed rickets;
- Poor Apgar scores after birth;
- low perinatal weight;
- neurodermatitis, diathesis or other allergic diseases;
- chronic viral diseases;
- children who were breastfed;
- passive smoking (smoking parents).
Symptomatics
Symptoms of acute obstructive bronchitis depend on the age of the patient and the work of his immune system, as well as on the characteristics of the organism. In addition, the disease can manifest itself in different ways depending on its form: active or chronic.
Manifestations in children
Children have the most severe symptoms of obstructive bronchitis. At an early age, this acute form of pathology often develops due to the penetration of viruses such as adenovirus and cytomegalovirus.
Such a disease in children is especially difficult against the background of a general deterioration in he alth. The first signs that are observed in children are the symptoms of a common SARS, fever and cough appear.
As noted, the symptoms and treatment of obstructive bronchitis are closely related.
More specific manifestations follow:
- Fever does not subside, it is difficult to lower it with special antipyretic drugs.
- Cough gets worse, there are bouts of shortness of breath.
- Sputum becomes yellow-greenish or absent.
- On the exhalation, wheezing is noticeable, shortness of breath is noted. Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in children are more pronounced than in adults.
- Breathing becomes very quick.
- Inflamed and reddened throat.
- Headache attacks, increased sweating.
- baby swallowing air.
- Severe anxiety, crying, drowsiness, refusal of food in obstructive bronchitis in children.
Very important! This symptomatology can be similar to other diseases, therefore, for the full treatment of a child, competent diagnostics is required, which will allow you to distinguish ailments from each other. Treatment of obstructive bronchitis should be under the strict supervision of a physician.
And if a child is misdiagnosed and given inappropriate therapy, the disease will progress to a more severe stage with characteristic symptoms:
- baby cannot take a calm and deep breath;
- skin becomes bluish;
- fever rising;
- special medicines do not relieve shortness of breath;
- gurgling breathing while lying down;
- severe headaches, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Symptomsobstructive bronchitis in adults
In adults, this form of the disease is rare, but the symptoms will be similar. Is that the intensity is less pronounced.
Usually adults are immediately recognized chronic form of the disease. In this case, the patient may have slight shortness of breath, cough and mucus.
Inflammation can worsen after SARS. It is accompanied by the following signs:
- Sputum changes color, may be mixed with pus and blood streaks.
- Frequent cough with characteristic wheezing.
- Increased shortness of breath, difficult to move quickly with severe inflammation of the bronchi.
- Due to oxygen deficiency from difficulty breathing, cyanosis (blue discoloration of the nasolabial part) appears on the face.
- High blood pressure, headaches and muscle aches.
- Present panic attacks due to shortness of breath.
Diagnosis
This disease is fairly easy to diagnose. The first indications are its symptoms. During auscultation (listening to breathing), wheezing and whistling are determined. An x-ray is then taken to confirm the diagnosis. On an x-ray, the stage of bronchial damage is easily determined. And to get a more accurate picture of the disease, additional diagnostic procedures are prescribed:
- Biopsy of bronchial tissue in case the causative agent of obstructive bronchitis cannot be identified.
- Spirography. Determination of the volume and speed of inhalation and exhalation by a special apparatus.
- Pneumotachometry. This procedurecan calculate the degree of airway obstruction using the method of quantifying exhaled liters of air per second.
- General analysis of biological fluids - urine, venous blood, sputum.
Such a comprehensive diagnosis has the ability to more fully understand the stage of bronchial damage, determine the condition of bronchial tissues, as well as the cause of inflammation.
Therapy
Let's consider how obstructive bronchitis is treated in children and adults. It has its differences.
Treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children is always done on an inpatient basis, in adults outpatient treatment may also be allowed. Based on the patient's age, FEV1 degree, blood count and general condition, the patient is given a therapeutic course.
Treatment in adults
To treat obstructive bronchitis in an adult, especially if it occurs in a chronic form, it is necessary to identify its provocateur (this may be smoking, an unhe althy lifestyle, poor nutrition, etc.), and then it is completely isolated.
If there is no exacerbation, then the patient is shown treatment to increase immunity, a properly balanced diet, a long pastime in the fresh air and a he althy lifestyle.
And if an exacerbation is already present, in this case, the patient needs to take bronchodilators and antibiotics for obstructive bronchitis in adults.
If there is a strong discharge of sputum with pus, mayprescribe antibacterial drugs such as Amoxil, Sumamed and Augmentin. In order to facilitate breathing, bronchodilators are used - Berotek, Atrovent. Drugs that promote sputum discharge - Ambroxol, Muk altin. No less good during illness is vibration massage, which is aimed at relaxing the muscles of the chest.
Treatment in children
Treatment in children is carried out exclusively in hospitals. It consists of several important points:
- Antihistamine drugs. They are prescribed in case of an allergic component - "Diazolin", "Erius", "Loratodin".
- Infusions with vitamins for long-term complication of the disease, if the child refuses to eat and drink.
- Mucolytics. They help to accelerate the discharge of sputum, but if the bronchi are clogged, their appointment is contraindicated. With the permission of the attending physician, you can take ACC, Lazolvan, Muk altin.
- Bronchodilators. Taken to restore respiratory function.
- Antibiotics - for an infectious cause of the disease, the appointment is considered only by a doctor.
- Drinking mode. Increasing fluid intake to ensure that sputum passes quickly.
- Inhalations.
An important place here is a walk in the fresh air, preferably humid. And then the question may arise: is it possible to walk with a child who suffers from such bronchitis? The answer is absolutely positive. But there are some factors to consider:the child does not have a high temperature and severe frost outside (it is allowed to go out up to -10 degrees).
Treatment with folk remedies
There are many folk recipes that can effectively deal with obstructive bronchitis. They will help relieve swelling of the bronchi, inflammation and improve sputum discharge. Here are some of them:
- Decoction of elecampane. Pour one teaspoon into an enamel bowl, pour 200 milliliters of boiling water into it and put on a small fire. After 15 minutes, the broth will be ready, and then it must be set aside and let it brew for 3-4 hours. Then strain and take orally 1 tablespoon 4 times a day. What else is used in the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in adults and children?
- Radish with honey. Make a hole in the black radish. Put 1 teaspoon of honey into the hole and wait until the juice starts to ooze from the radish. You need to take 4 tablespoons a day with an interval of 3 hours.
- Tangerine tincture. Take 25 grams of dry tangerine peel and 500 milliliters of water. Boil on fire. After an hour, add 25 grams of candied tangerines and cook for another hour. Then cool and take five tablespoons in the morning and one tablespoon less every hour. All this will help get rid of acute obstructive bronchitis.
Tips for prevention
What can help prevent illness? Doctors recommend:
- hardening procedures from an early age;
- avoidance of crowded places during seasonal exacerbations of viral infections;
- the child shouldreceive daily vitamins, fresh vegetables and fruits, natural juices;
- outdoor walks;
- if there is a possibility of an allergic reaction, then measures must be taken to prevent it;
- ventilate the room and wet clean the room where the child stays.
Conclusion
But do not forget that home treatment will not replace professional advice from a specialist and the right course of treatment. See a doctor in time, take care of yourself and your he alth, and remember that it is impossible to cure chronic obstructive bronchitis on your own. Remember prevention and lead a he althy lifestyle.
