So, bronchitis. One of the most unpleasant diseases of the respiratory system, when the bronchi are drawn into the inflammatory process. The cause, as a rule, becomes an infection (viral, bacterial). Treatment is most often prescribed symptomatic, with the participation of antitussive and antihistamines, without antibiotics.
If left without proper therapeutic attention, acute bronchitis can take on a chronic form. However, obstructive disease becomes only in cases of bronchial obstruction as a result of mucosal edema. And if at first the disease proceeds sluggishly, with a meager amount of sputum and coughing only after waking up, then cumulative changes in the mucous membrane increase the amount of secretions (gray mucus) and increase cough.
Aggravation of the inflammatory process is often fraught with the release of purulent mucus with a greenish tinge. The cough becomes paroxysmal, and any of these attacks may result in vomiting.
A secondary symptom of obstructive bronchitis is shortness of breath, which becomes permanent over time and ineffective treatment. And if at first the patient suffocates only during physical activity, then later he breathes heavily even at rest. In addition, he has:
- sweating increases;
- there is a constant feeling of fatigue;
- there is rapid fatigue, general lethargy;
- headaches develop.
With a developing general attack, the patient does not have enough air, he has difficulty exhaling, and also:
- the number of his respiratory movements is growing;
- the area around the mouth, fingertips turns blue;
- experiences frequent dizziness.
Acute forms of pathology (as well as some chronic ones) are fraught with intoxication syndrome with high fever, chills, aches and muscle pains. And with viral inflammatory processes, the nasopharynx is simultaneously affected.
It should be remembered that bronchitis cannot be treated independently, without consulting a doctor, especially obstructive bronchitis. It is necessary to contact a specialist who will interview the patient, perform a thorough examination, and appoint laboratory (analyzes), as well as instrumental studies (X-ray, bronchoscopy, bronchography and etc).
The results of the examination will give an idea of the stage and severity of obstructive bronchitis, which will allow prescribing an adequate treatment for the patient.
