Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial cavity, which develops against the background of the negative impact of a certain group of factors. These include the common cold, SARS, infection of the body with a viral or bacterial infection. Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with medication is always carried out after the diagnosis. The wrong choice of the drug itself or its dosage can aggravate the course of the disease.
Description of the disease
Before considering the question of how to treat acute bronchitis in adults, it is necessary to understand the essence of this disease.
Acute bronchitis is commonly understood as a diffuse inflammatory process affecting the entire bronchial tree. It is accompanied by a strong cough, sputum production. The disease is often the reason for going to the doctor in the autumnand winter periods as a result of hypothermia and infection. Therefore, treatment usually includes the use of antiviral and antibacterial drugs.
The inflammatory process manifests itself after two days of general signs of a cold. It is expressed in a runny nose, sore throat, chills and fever. Initially, the patient develops a strong dry cough, which, after adequate treatment, transforms into a wet one. Sputum begins to intensively separate. The state of he alth after a ten-day or three-week therapy is normalized. Otherwise, when timely treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with medicines is not carried out, the disease can lead to the development of complications.
Main reasons
There are several causes and predisposing factors. All of them can have a viral, infectious, chemical or allergic origin.
The etiology of acute bronchitis is quite extensive, but it is based on the following factors:
- damage to the body by influenza viruses and bacteria (pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, streptococci, etc.);
- exposure to allergens;
- diseases of ENT organs (tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis);
- frequent hypothermia of the body;
- exposure to airborne toxicants;
- lowered immunity;
- smoking;
- Violation of nasal breathing.
The impact of these factors leads to disruption of the respiratory system, pathological changes in the mucosabronchial tree. As a result, viruses, bacteria and allergens freely penetrate the bronchi. Actively multiplying, they damage the mucous membrane. As a result, the lumen of the bronchi narrows, sputum production increases, and a cough appears. Due to the active reproduction of pathogenic flora, intoxication of the whole organism occurs, which causes the corresponding symptoms.
Clinical picture
The development of the disease begins with the appearance of signs of general malaise. There is a runny nose and sore throat, burning behind the sternum. The temperature rises to 39 degrees. These symptoms at first glance resemble the common cold. Then there is a dry cough with scanty sputum. Its intensity can vary from paroxysmal and barking to intermittent. As the disease progresses, the cough intensifies, becomes sonorous. Shortness of breath appears, and discomfort behind the sternum increases.
In adults, acute bronchitis with fever lasts no more than 5 days. Gradually, the symptoms become less pronounced. The cough becomes wet. During attacks, there is a clear mucous or yellowish sputum.
It is worth noting that the central symptom is a cough. Around it, the diagnosis of the disease is built. The acute process characterizes the sudden onset and complete resolution of symptoms in 2-3 weeks. Otherwise, we have to talk about a recurrent or chronic process.
Manifestations of acute obstructive bronchitis
Spicyobstructive bronchitis in adults is much less common than in children. This is due to the physiological structure of the bronchi. The disease develops as a result of a narrowing of the lumen in them, which does not allow the child to fully breathe. The clinical picture is usually accompanied by the following symptoms:
- temperature increase to 38-39 degrees;
- whistling and dry wheezing;
- shortness of breath;
- tachycardia.
The obstructive form of the disease is most dangerous for children under three years of age. With blockage of the bronchi and swelling of the mucous membrane, it becomes difficult for the child to breathe. Even at a distance, dry and whistling rales can be heard. The child is forced to take a sitting position, tilts his head down, and when coughing raises and lowers his shoulders. Temperature increase observed for several days.
The acute period lasts up to three days. After that, the cough becomes milder, sputum begins to depart, normalization of body temperature and general condition is noted. Children with a similar diagnosis need hospitalization. Acute obstructive bronchitis is not treated at home. In adults, this form of the disease practically does not occur.
Possible Complications
Reluctance to seek medical attention or treating acute bronchitis as a minor illness can lead to the following complications:
- tachycardia;
- high blood pressure;
- pneumonia;
- bronchial asthma;
- pathologies of endocarditis and myocarditis;
- vasculitis disease;
- glomerulonephritis.
Infection along with the bloodstream quickly spreads throughout the body. This explains the occurrence of complications affecting the cardiac and vascular systems, the kidneys.
Diagnostic Methods
How to treat acute bronchitis in adults depends on the cause of the disease. Therefore, neglecting the diagnosis is unacceptable. It begins with the collection of an anamnesis, the study of the patient's complaints. On examination, the doctor pays attention to the following symptoms:
- presence of high temperature;
- presence of pulmonary sound when listening with a phonendoscope;
- detection of wheezing, whistling noises accompanying hard breathing.
The disease has a similar clinical picture with pneumonia and tuberculosis. Therefore, it is mandatory for all patients to undergo a chest x-ray.
A general blood test is also prescribed, where the level of leukocytes and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate are monitored. In the case of acute bronchitis, these figures are several times higher than the norm. To determine the causative agent of the disease, a microbiological analysis of sputum is shown.
Features of home treatment
In a mild form, the disease resolves on its own within one week. In its uncomplicated form, the main goal of therapy is to relieve symptoms. It is not recommended to independently select drugs and their dosage for this purpose. Better trust the doctor.
How to treat acute bronchitis in adults at homeconditions? In agreement with the doctor, the following procedures can be applied:
- inhalations;
- massage;
- compresses;
- rubbing;
- gymnastics.
Inhalations are procedures based on the inhalation of steam. To enhance the therapeutic effect, you can enrich it with useful components. The easiest way is to heat water at a temperature close to boiling in a small container. You can add a pinch of soda to the liquid, then cover yourself with a towel and inhale the steam. Some people add coniferous essential oils to the water. They contribute to the thinning of mucus, have antibacterial properties. A more modern way is to carry out inhalations using nebulizers. The device converts the therapeutic mixture into an aerosol, which settles on areas of inflamed tissue.
As for the massage, it is recommended to use the upper back during the procedure. Additionally, fir oil can be used. High temperature is a contraindication.
Mustard plasters are recognized as the most ancient and at the same time effective compress. They are placed on the sternum, back and front of the calves. The duration of the procedure should be no more than 15 minutes.
Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults at home involves the use of various rubbing agents. For example, camphor alcohol with the addition of essential oils. Its use improves blood circulation in the respiratory system. Bergamot or eucalyptus oils help to stop the heat. Basil oil has an expectorant effect. Dataproducts should not be used in pure form, it is better to mix with any base oil or cream.
Acute bronchitis is usually not conducive to physical activity. However, doctors recommend performing daily sets of fairly simple exercises. It can be smooth slopes, squats or muscle stretching. While exercising, you need to pay attention to breathing. A slow inhalation is followed by a noisy quick exhalation. If the exercise is accompanied by discomfort or a deterioration in well-being, it is better to refuse them.
Medication use
Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with drugs is always carried out under the supervision of a doctor (therapist or pulmonologist). The doctor develops an individual therapy based on the results of the tests performed during the diagnosis. It is always complex and has several goals. First you need to eliminate the cause of the disease (destroy viruses or bacteria), then stop the unpleasant symptoms. How to treat acute bronchitis in adults?
If the cause of the disease is influenza, SARS or acute respiratory infections, and this is observed in 95% of cases, antiviral agents are prescribed. The most effective are "Interferon", "Viferon". Preparations should be used only at the beginning of the development of the pathological process (the first 2-3 days). Then they become useless. In the case of a bacterial nature of the disease, antibiotics are prescribed. They will be discussed in more detail below.
In acute bronchitis, there is a certainprescription of cough medicines. At the initial stage, when a dry cough is tormented, Codelac, Sinekod or Glaucin are used. After about 3-4 days, it becomes wet, sputum is already leaving. Therefore, the treatment is supplemented with Ambroxol, Muk altin or ACC. If the disease is accompanied by signs of obstruction, bronchodilators are used. Berodual is the most effective. The medicine is recommended to be used in the form of inhalation.
Symptomatic treatment with drugs for acute bronchitis in adults is also necessary. For example, to stop swelling of the bronchial mucosa, antihistamines are prescribed ("Suprastin", "Tavegil"). In case of high temperature, it is mandatory to take antipyretic drugs (ibuprofen). When the temperature is below 38 degrees, it is not worth knocking it down. Such a reaction of the body indicates the struggle of the body with viruses and bacteria.
Taking into account the duration of therapy for acute bronchitis and the need to conceive antibiotics, it is recommended to drink probiotics (Laktovit, Linex) after the end of treatment. These drugs provide a quick recovery of the intestinal microflora, improve overall well-being. Also, one should not forget about hepatoprotectors - medicines to normalize the functioning of liver cells.
When are antibiotics prescribed?
Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with antibiotics causes a lot of controversy. Many people think that doctors prescribe them exclusively forpreventive purposes when there is a threat of bacterial infection. However, such an assumption is incorrect. Often the development of the disease is preceded by the penetration of viruses into the body. The use of antibacterial agents against them is ineffective and even dangerous. They can provoke an allergic reaction, worsen the state of immunity, provoke bronchial obstruction.
Treatment of acute bronchitis with antibiotics in adults is indicated only in the following cases:
- proven bacterial nature of the disease;
- the patient has a high temperature for 4-5 days;
- when coughing up sputum, a purulent secret is determined;
- there are symptoms of intoxication of the body (vomiting, weakness, lack of appetite).
In order to avoid the negative effect of taking antibiotics, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage prescribed by the doctor. The duration of the reception is also determined by the doctor. Usually treatment is no more than 7 days. It cannot be interrupted on its own, even if the symptoms of the disease have disappeared.
As for the choice of antibiotics for acute bronchitis in adults, preference is usually given to broad-spectrum drugs ("Cefazolin", "Flemoxin", "Azithromycin"). In a complicated form of the disease, therapy is carried out in a hospital, and antibacterial agents are administered in the form of injections.
Help of traditional medicine
Acute bronchitis in patients with strong immunity responds well to therapy without antibiotics, but with the use ofmeans of alternative medicine. Antiviral and expectorant medications may be prescribed to speed up the healing process.
Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with folk remedies comes down to using the following recipes:
- Ginger tea. The drink has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. To prepare it, medium-sized ginger root must be chopped, poured with boiling water and insisted for 15 minutes. Honey and lemon can be added to tea. It is recommended to use it three times a day, one glass each.
- Black radish. The root crop perfectly removes phlegm and stops coughing. In half of the radish, you need to make a small depression resembling a bowl, fill it with honey. Then it should be placed in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. The heating process promotes the release of healing juice. It is he who should be taken in a tablespoon twice a day.
- Decoction of chamomile, coltsfoot, licorice, plantain and primrose. The drink destroys viruses and facilitates the removal of sputum. To prepare it, medicinal plants must be mixed in equal proportions, pour boiling water over it, leave for 30 minutes. Take it in half a glass twice a day.
- Badger fat. Approximately 150 g of the product should be melted in a water bath, add 2 tablespoons of the agave. The mixture is recommended to use one spoon before bedtime.
Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with folk remedies does not always allow you to overcome the disease. However, in the uncomplicated form of the disease, the use of prescription drugshealers together with pharmaceutical preparations leads to recovery.
Treatment of acute bronchitis without fever
In adults, in 50% of cases, there is a course of acute bronchitis without fever. This indicator does not fully characterize the degree and severity of the pathological process. When prescribing therapy, all symptoms should be taken into account: cough, sputum production, its color, etc.
Patients are advised to first of all pay attention to maintaining the he alth of the body as a whole. To this end, it is necessary to abandon bad habits, eat right, identify allergens, and then exclude their direct effect.
Quite often there is a course of acute bronchitis in adults without fever and cough. In such a situation, the patient is prescribed expectorant and mucolytic drugs ("Muk altin", "Lazolvan"). The absence of cough may indicate the initial stage of the disease, the individual characteristics of the body, the absence of receptors in the bronchioles responsible for this process.
Physiotherapy treatment
Physiotherapy is recommended when body temperature has returned to normal. The prescribed procedures help relieve spasm in the bronchi, increase sputum discharge. Most often, halotherapy and healing baths are used for this purpose. In the first case, treatment is carried out with an artificially created microclimate of s alt caves. Healing baths are a relaxing water procedure. During the treatment, aroma lamps with essential oils, for example, from fir oreucalyptus.
Recommendations for speeding up the recovery process
In the first few days after the onset of symptoms of acute bronchitis with fever in adults, bed rest is indicated. After improving general well-being, you can take walks. It is better to do this away from the roadway in order to saturate the organs with oxygen.
Special attention during therapy should be given to nutrition. The diet should be balanced, saturated with vitamins. When acute bronchitis occurs with temperature in adults and symptoms of intoxication, it is better to limit the amount of food taken. This approach allows you to reduce the load on the body.
Treatment of the disease will not bring the desired result if the mucosa of the lungs is affected by irritants. We are talking about tobacco smoke, pungent odors, dust. Many heavy smokers give up the addiction for good because of bronchitis.
To speed up the healing process, it is necessary to ensure a normal level of humidity in the room where the patient is constantly staying. If there is no humidifier, it is recommended to carry out wet cleaning twice a day. You can hang a damp towel on the battery, and put a large container of water in the room itself. Such simple manipulations contribute to the liquefaction and removal of sputum.
A mandatory condition at the stage of treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with fever is to drink plenty of fluids. Up to three liters of fluid should be consumed per day. It can be both ordinary water and various fruit drinks, teas, warm broths.
Prevention Methods
Than to treat acute bronchitis in adults with medicines, it is better to regularly engage in the prevention of the disease. Doctors give the following recommendations for its prevention:
- quit smoking and other bad habits;
- use personal respiratory protective equipment in the workplace;
- take a walk in the fresh air every day;
- do breathing exercises/yogi practice;
- limit contact with sick people in the autumn-winter period;
- avoid hypothermia;
- ventilate the room regularly, do wet cleaning;
- strengthen the immune system;
- Seek medical help if you have symptoms of a cold.
Acute bronchitis is a serious disease, so its manifestations cannot be ignored. Without adequate treatment, the inflammatory process can lead to serious consequences and even complications.
