Causes and symptoms of chronic obstructive bronchitis. Its diagnosis and treatment

Pulmonary insufficiency and, consequently, hypoxia can result in chronic obstructive bronchitis. The case history of the patients contains data that allow us to confirm 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, you can already talk about its chronic form. If the treatment of obstructive bronchitis does not start on time, then the amount of sputum is increasing, it is much more difficult to remove. Cough becomes violent and frequent, and after a few years is generally continuous. This entire process is accompanied by the loss of cilia of the epithelium, which are a natural protection against various microorganisms. As a result, mucus gets purulent yellowish or gray appearance.

Causes

The causes of obstructive bronchitis can be many, but the most significant pulmonologists call the following:

• Tobacco smoke.
• Respiratory diseases.
• Pathologies of the nasopharynx.
• Violation of metabolic processes, obesity.
• Genetic predisposition (rarely).
• Polluted air. The chance to get sick is great for people living in megacities, and those that often work with household chemicals, perfumes, paint and varnish, etc.

Of course, the presence of any of these factors does not mean a 100% disease, but their combination increases the probability by several times.

Symptoms of the disease

At the initial stage of obstructive bronchitis (when small bronchi are affected), symptoms may not appear at all. Approximately 5-10% of patients may not even cough. When the inflammatory process begins to spread, a cough begins. He usually bothers the most in the morning. After a certain period of time, cough becomes biting, wet and long-lasting (sometimes even whole days). In addition, there is a pain in the muscles, sweating and shortness of breath intensify. In many cases, such symptoms are recorded by the medical history . Obstructive bronchitis (pediatrics confirm this) can be accompanied by high fever. Of course, against the background of such symptoms, there is a general weakness (the same as with influenza).

Diagnosis

Therapist, pediatrician (if the child is sick) or pulmonologist can make an accurate diagnosis. The patient should 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 culture of sputum;
• Bronchoscopy.

The latter method involves the introduction of a thin tube into the respiratory tract, which makes it possible to examine the bronchi. Although this procedure is not pleasant to patients, it is still very necessary, because with its help you can also suck liquid, take samples of tissues for research, enter the necessary medications.

Treatment

The detection of obstructive bronchitis provides for the urgent abandonment of bad habits. Treatment is established by the doctor on a case-by-case basis. In general, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, mucolytic and expectorant drugs. In addition, inhalation and washing (due to bronchoscopy) are carried out.